Leonardo da Vinci painted so many paintings. Da Vinci's paintings at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Leonardo da Vinci's paintings are beautiful and full of mysteries. They have been brought to an unimaginable degree of perfection, because the master worked on each of his creations for several years.

Our rating lists everything greatest paintings Leonardo da Vinci, with photos, names and detailed information about each of them. The list did not include drawings of inventions, caricatures, or paintings that art critics doubt were by Leonardo. Also not included in the selection are copies of paintings that have not survived to this day.

Years written: 1490.
Where is: Academy Gallery, Venice.
Materials: paper, pen, ink, watercolor.
Dimensions: 34.3 x 24.5 cm.

If you say that this is not painting, but drawing, you will be absolutely right. Indeed, the Vitruvian Man is a drawing, an illustration made by Leonardo for the book of the great ancient Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius and placed in one of his diaries.

However, this drawing is no less famous than the paintings listed on our list. It is considered not only a work of art, but also a scientific work. And demonstrates perfect proportions human body.

After studying mathematics and geometry, in particular the work of Vitruvius, Leonardo's thirst for knowledge reached its peak. In The Vitruvian Man he applied the idea of ​​universal symmetry, the golden ratio or " divine proportion"not only to size and shape, but also to weight.

• 6 palms = 1 cubit;
• length from tip of longest to lowest base of 4 fingers = 1 palm;
• 4 palms = 1 foot;
• arm span = height;
• 4 palms = 1 step;
• 4 cubits or 24 palms = height of a person.

Other world famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci that incorporate the golden ratio are the Mona Lisa, the Annunciation and last supper».

Years written: 1478 — 1480.
Where is: Old Pinakothek, Munich.
Materials: oil painting On the desk.
Dimensions: 42 x 67 cm.

Many art historians attribute this work to the young Leonardo, when he was still serving as an apprentice in Verrocchio's painting workshop. There are a number of details that support this version, for example, the detailing of the Madonna's face, the pattern of her hair, the landscape outside the window, as well as the characteristic Italian artist soft and diffused light.

Unfortunately, the years have not been kind to the painting, and due to improper restoration, the surface of the paint layer has become uneven.

Years written: 1472 — 1476.
Where is: Uffizi, Florence.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 98 x 217 cm.

It was with “The Annunciation” that Leonardo da Vinci began as an artist. This painting was supposedly created in collaboration with Andrea del Verrocchio, to whose workshop he was sent at the age of 14. The authorship of the future famous Italian master is supported by the amazing anatomical accuracy characteristic of all Leonardo’s works, as well as a number of sketches in the diaries that have survived to this day. In favor of the authorship of another person is the nature of the strokes and the composition of the colors with which Mary was painted; they contain lead, which is uncharacteristic for da Vinci.

It is interesting that if you look at the painting while standing directly in front of it, you will notice some flaws in the anatomy. For example, Mary’s hand seems somewhat longer than is typical for ordinary inhabitants of planet Earth. However, if you move to the right side of the picture and look from there, then Mary’s hand magically shortens, she herself becomes larger and the center of gravity of the plot is transferred to her figure - as prescribed by the plot. Most likely, the supposed irregularity in physique is the result of a carefully designed optical illusion: The painting was supposed to hang at an angle towards the viewer.

Years written: 1476
Where is: Uffizi, Florence.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 177 x 151 cm.

And Leonardo wrote this work in collaboration with his teacher. According to Giorgio Vasari, who compiled the artist’s biography, Verrocchio instructed a young apprentice (at the time of painting Leonardo was 24 years old) to paint the figure of a white-haired angel in the left corner of the picture. The teacher was so impressed by the student’s skill that he, disgraced, no longer studied painting.

Years written: 1474 — 1478.
Where is: National Gallery art, Washington.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 38.8 x 36.7 cm.

The wreath of laurel and palm branches on the back of the picture hints that it depicts a difficult woman. The first wreath indicates her poetic pursuits, and the second - that she is not alien to mercy and compassion. This impression is supported by the strict and somewhat stern beauty of the model, her pale alabaster skin, and lowered eyelids, as if in thought. On intellectual pursuits it is indicated by the almost complete absence of jewelry and emphatically modest clothing. And that’s right – the painting depicts the poetess Ginevra de Benci.

The manner of the image (especially the shading with the fingers - Leonardo had only just begun to master this technique, so the paint layer is uneven in places) already speaks volumes about the skill of the creator. Particularly characteristic are the soft lighting and the landscape in the background, as if shrouded in a luminous haze.

Years written: 1479 — 1481.
Where is: Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
Materials: oil painting on canvas.
Dimensions: 48 x 31.5 cm.

“The ghost of an old woman” with a “wrinkled neck”, “a bloated body” and a “toothless grin” - these were the unflattering words used by the American art critic who was tasked by the owners - the Benois family - to establish the authorship. Despite all the colorful epithets, he still attributed it as belonging to the brush of Leonardo da Vinci - this is supported by both the brushwork style and the artist’s soft diffused light, which easily creates the volume of two figures.

One of the symbolic details is a cruciferous plant, hinting at what fate awaits the child. However, neither the mother nor the baby knows about this yet. He plays carefree, and she looks at him with a smile.

Years written: 1479 — 1482.
Where is: Uffizi, Florence.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 246 x 243.

One of the paintings of the great artist, sculptor, scientist and engineer of the Renaissance, unfortunately, remained unfinished. Leonardo moved to his place of residence in Milan and had no intention of returning. Fortunately, the customers kept the unfinished painting. It is distinguished by its non-standard composition and rich symbolic meaning.

For example, Mary sits under an oak tree, which is a symbol of eternity, a palm tree grows in the distance - a sign of Jerusalem, and the ruins of a pagan temple on the horizon - the destruction of the pagan religion, which was supplanted by Christianity.

Years written: 1480 — 1490.
Where is: Vatican Pinakothek.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 103 x 75 cm.

Despite the fact that the painting remained unfinished, it had an impact on its contemporaries. strong impression. This is primarily due to the amazing anatomical accuracy of the depiction of the human body, for which Leonardo was famous.

I was expecting the picture difficult fate– the work was sawn up after some time, and the boards were used for the most base purposes. It is alleged that one of the art lovers found part of the painting in the form of a chest lid.

Years written: 1478 — 1482.
Where is: Hermitage Museum.
Materials: tempera, board.
Dimensions: 42 x 33.

The skill of the great Italian artist was also evident in the details, which tell a kind of story. For example, a woman's red dress is equipped with special slits for feeding, one of which is sewn up. Apparently, she decided that it was time to stop breast-feeding. But one of them was cut open in a hurry - stitches and hanging ends of the thread are visible.

Years written: 1483 – 1490 and 1495 – 1508.
Where is: Louvre and London National Gallery.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 199 x 122 cm

There are two almost identical works by Leonardo with the same title in the world. One of them is in Paris, and the other is in London. Da Vinci's first version was commissioned for the altar door, with a clearly defined plot. However, the artist apparently considered that his talent and skill gave him the right to take some liberties. As a result, there were so many of them that the customers refused to pay for the work. A long-term lawsuit began, which, however, ended relatively successfully. The second version began to hang in the church, and the first disappeared from art history radars for about a hundred and fifty years, until it turned up in the treasury of the French kings.

Like many other paintings by Leonardo, this one is full of encrypted messages. Cyclamen next to Jesus symbolizes love, primrose - virtue, acanthus - the coming resurrection, and St. John's wort - the blood shed by Christian martyrs. It was this picture that the author of the sensational “Da Vinci Code” tried to use as an illustration of his constructions, where he stated that in fact the meaning of the traditional plot is completely different.

Years written: 1485 — 1487.
Where is: Ambrosian Library, Milan.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 43 x 31.

The only portrait of a man among famous paintings da Vinci. Initially, art historians believed that the painting depicted the Duke of Milan himself, patron and friend of Leonardo da Vinci (as far as a person holding such a position is concerned) social status, may actually be someone’s friend). Until it was subsequently discovered that the young man was clutching a scroll in his hands, beginning with the words “angel song.” Therefore, the painting was renamed “Portrait of a Musician.” And a number of art historians make a bold assumption that it is Leonardo himself, because music was also part of his area of ​​interest.

Years written: 1488 — 1490.
Where is: Czartoryski Museum, Krakow.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 54.8 x 40.3 cm.

Although the authorship of the brilliant Italian artist was sometimes questioned, currently art critics agreed: this is one of the best paintings Leonardo da Vinci, if not the most perfect from a picturesque point of view. It is believed that the artist, who loved riddles and codes, encrypted her name in the image of a white animal in the hands of the model. In Latin, the mustelid family is called gale, and the girl's name is Caecilia Gallerani.

The snow-white skin of an ermine (and this is most likely what is depicted in the portrait) is a daring challenge to the somewhat dubious status of the kept woman of the Duke of Milan. By folk beliefs, this animal values ​​​​its immaculate white fur so much that it is ready to die rather than stain it with dirt.

Years written: 1495 — 1498.
Where is: Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.
Materials: fresco.
Dimensions: 460 x 880 cm.

One of the most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci is essentially not that. This is kind of the largest and most unsuccessful experiment of the great Italian scientist. At the end of the 15th century, the Duke of Milan ordered the famous artist to paint the wall of the monastery for an amount the equivalent of which would now be 700 thousand dollars.

It was assumed that the artist, like many before him, would paint on wet plaster - after final polishing, such painting would be strong and durable. However, the fresco imposes its own limitations - in addition to the specific manner of applying paints (you need to paint immediately and completely, further corrections are impossible), only certain pigments are suitable for it. And then their brightness decreases, “eaten up” by the well-absorbing surface.

For Leonardo, who was skeptical of authorities, achieved everything on his own and, apparently, was quite proud of this circumstance, such restrictions were unbearable. With true Renaissance spirit, he decided to reject the legacy of the past and rework the entire process anew - from the composition of the plaster to the paints used. The result was predictable. The paint layer of the fresco began to deteriorate two decades after the completion of the work. In addition to unsuccessful technical decisions, the picture also suffered from time.

First, the inhabitants of the monastery decided to saw off Christ’s feet, making a door in this place, and then mediocre painters, trying to update the painting, shamelessly distorted its plot (for example, the hand of one of the apostles turned into... a loaf). The building was flooded, then it was turned into a hayloft, and during World War II the temple was hit by a bomb. Fortunately, the fresco was not damaged. It is not surprising that barely 20% of the original painting has survived to our time.

It is interesting that it is this image that is crumbling and occasionally touched up long years was the most famous painting da Vinci - whatever, the only one accessible to the common viewer. The rest were all in the custody of the rich of this world. The status quo changed only with the transfer of the Mona Lisa from Napoleon's bedchamber to the Louvre.

From the other two frescoes created by da Vinci, only fragments have survived to this day.

Years written: 1493 — 1497.
Where is: Louvre, Paris.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 62 x 44 cm.

Associated with one of the most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci interesting legend. When the painting arrived in France, one of the owners wrote on it the inscription “ferroniere”. This mysterious word (like the undoubted beauty of a woman) has excited the imagination of people close to art for many years.

The gallant “historian of love,” Guy Breton, who already lived in our time, composed a whole story. Allegedly, the nameless beauty was the mistress of Francis the First, and she began to wear her jewelry to hide the bruise received during the night with the king.

Most likely, the painting by Leonardo da Vinci entitled “La Belle Ferroniere” depicts Lucrezia Crivelli. She was one of the mistresses of Leonardo's patron, the Duke of Milan. And the name comes from her decoration on her forehead - ferroniere.

Years written: 1500 — 1505.
Where is: National Gallery, Parma.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 24.6 x 21 cm.

An unfinished image of a young woman with a careless hairstyle (hence the other name of the painting - La Scapigliata, disheveled) painted in a similar manner to the others unfinished work manner - oil paints with a small addition of pigment. Art critics, however, believe that the contrast between the barely outlined hair and the superbly executed face was part of the artist’s plans.

Leonardo was probably inspired by a passage from the ancient writer Pliny the Elder, popular during the Renaissance. He said that great artist Apelles deliberately left his last depiction of the Venus of Cos unfinished, and that admirers admired it more than his other works.

Years written: 1501 — 1517.
Where is: Louvre, Paris.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 168 x 112 cm.

Contemporaries deeply appreciated the liveliness and naturalness of the facial expressions of all three participants in the scene - especially Leonard's signature mysterious half-smile with which Anna looks at her daughter and grandson.

2. Mona Lisa (La Gioconda)

Years written: 1502 — 1516.
Where is: Louvre, Paris.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 76.8 x 53.

Perhaps difficult to find globe a person who would not know La Gioconda. This is certainly the most famous work of the talented Italian. Many mysteries and secrets of this painting by Leonardo da Vinci have not yet been solved:

"Mona Lisa" had special meaning In the life of an artist, it is no secret that sometimes, carried away by something new, he was very reluctant to return to the interrupted work. However, he worked on La Gioconda with passion and enthusiasm. Why?

It is unclear exactly who is depicted in the portrait. Was this the wife of the merchant del Giocondo? Or the same woman who posed for Lady with an Ermine? There is even a version that the model for the Mona Lisa was Salai, one of the artist’s apprentices, who was depicted by him in at least two more paintings.

What color was Gioconda's dress originally? Apparently, Leonardo again experimented with paints, and again unsuccessfully, so that nothing remained of the original color of the sleeves. Contemporaries, by the way, admired the luxurious coloring of the painting.

And finally, a mysterious half-smile - is she smiling at all, or is it just an illusion skillfully created by the artist using shadows in the corners of the lips?

Years written: 1508 — 1516.
Where is: Louvre, Paris.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 69 x 57 cm.

The artist's last painting, which supposedly depicts Salai, one of the artist's apprentices, who for unknown reasons enjoyed Leonardo's special favor. The master forgave the student a lot. Even to the point of stealing money for a cloak purchased in advance, in which Salai was draped for “Bacchus” - a painting that has survived to this day only in the form of a copy. The pampered face, carefully curled curls and especially the immodest half-smile gave rise to certain doubts about the nature of the relationship between master and apprentice.

However, it is difficult to understand anything from the artist’s diaries - after being accused of sodomy at a young age, he carefully avoided mentioning his personal life anywhere. In his will, he left his estate and money, by the way, to Leonardo to the same Salai and another of his assistants.

Turin self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci

Years written: after 1512.
Where is: Royal Library, Turin.
Materials: sanguine, paper.
Dimensions: 33.3 x 21.6 cm.

Considered to be a self-portrait of the artist, painted at the age of 60. The portrait was made with a drawing stick made of kaolin and iron oxides, which is why the painting has a yellowish tint. Currently not on display due to fragility.

There is still controversy surrounding the authorship of the popular work, despite the fact that the shading goes from left to right, as Leonardo was accustomed to, but some art historians consider it a fake. According to some reports, during an X-ray survey, a painting was found under the image of the elder, presumably dating back to the 17th century.

The most expensive painting by Leonardo da Vinci in a private collection: Salvator Mundi

Price:$400 000 000
Years written: 1499 — 1507.
Where is: private collection.
Materials: oil painting on board.
Dimensions: 66 x 47 cm.

At Christie's auction in November 2017, the painting was sold for an impressive $400 million. It is now stored in private collection one of the Saudi princes and may be exhibited at the Louvre in that country.

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci is one of the greatest scientists, artists and inventors in human history. He is called the most a prominent representative the era of the High Renaissance.

Turin self-portrait

Of course, Leonardo da Vinci is the most famous artist in the world. Leonardo da Vinci painted many paintings during his life, but about 20 paintings have survived to this day. And all these works of the great master today are rightfully considered masterpieces of world painting, which had a significant impact on further development visual arts in the world.

What is the value of the sfumato technique invented by Leonardo alone? Having realized that in real world no lines, he argued that there should be no lines in paintings. And he began to shade the outlines of faces and hands, creating soft transitions from light to shadow. The famous "Mona Lisa" was painted using the sfumato technique.

Among huge amount paintings and drawings of the great master are world famous, which almost everyone knows cultured person. These paintings are even more than masterpieces and standards of great world art. These are original icons of painting.

Here you can recall the “Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), and “The Lady with an Ermine,” “The Last Supper,” “Madonna Litta,” “The Annunciation” and many other paintings by the great Renaissance master.

Paintings by Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci

Last Supper

This famous fresco ordered by Duke Ludovico Sforza at the request of his young wife Beatrice d'Este. However, the wife of the great Sforza never saw the “Last Supper” completed - she died in childbirth.

And the inconsolable Duke was eternally grateful to da Vinci for the work done - it was a very vivid and strong reminder of his deceased wife. Sforza paid the artist generously. The citizens of Milan who saw the fresco were amazed... The apostles had different faces, emotions and gestures - no one had painted like that before. Each of the apostles responded to Christ’s words “One of you will betray me” in his own way. Like real people.

The next feature of the fresco that amazed the Milanese was the blue shadows. Not black or gray, but blue. Colored shadow - this was impossible in painting until the mid-nineteenth century, when the Impressionists remembered Leonardo’s colored shadow.

Madonna of the Rocks

The painting “Madonna of the Rocks” was commissioned from Leonardo da Vinci by the monks of the Brotherhood of St. Francis for one of the temples in Milan. But subsequently the monks refused to buy the painting. The artist took too long to paint the canvas, there are no halos above the heads of the saints, and the angel also points his finger at John the Baptist, and not at Christ. And Christ is in charge!

Leonardo da Vinci refused to rewrite the painting and sold the finished painting on the side.

The painting depicts the young Virgin Mary in a scarlet cloak with two children - this Holy Family returns to Egypt with little Jesus. And along the way they meet little John the Baptist.

For the first time in human history the people were depicted not in front of the landscape, but as if inscribed in the landscape, in the rocks. And another one interesting feature of this canvas - the plants in the picture are painted with great care. These are real plants. As a botanist, Leonardo argued that the sap in plants plays the same role as blood in human veins. Hence such careful work with the flora in the picture.

The monks sued the artist and the court ordered da Vinci to paint for the temple new picture. With halos and without the pointing finger of an angel.

But the second version of the Madonna of the Rocks differs not only in these court-ordered details. Plants have lost their realism. There is an opinion that the artist was not interested in writing a copy - he wrote the most important details canvases, and secondary ones, in particular plants, he entrusted to students who were not strong in botany. And they wrote a fantasy on a plant theme, which suited the monks quite well.

John the Baptist

The canvas “John the Baptist” puzzled Leonardo’s contemporaries - the saint is depicted against a dark, blank background (the artist usually painted against the backdrop of nature) and from this thick darkness the figure of John emerges, but is this John the Baptist? In those days, artists painted a very elderly saint, but here he is almost a young man, smiling, and somehow bowed his head ambiguously... And his hair is so well-groomed...

And where is the holiness here? Some kind of effeminate, frivolous saint in leopard skin. Such a saint could have appeared in the mid-17th century: theatrical gestures, mannerisms, play of light and shadow. This saint comes from the Baroque, which would appear several centuries later.

This is the prediction of a genius. The same as the prediction of turbulence 400 years before its discovery by physicists.

Madonna Litta

The painting “Madonna Litta” depicts a mother and child - the Virgin Mary is breastfeeding the baby. The canvas is small, only 42 X 33 centimeters, but this work by Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci simply emanates monumentality - the master managed to show the Madonna and Child in such a way that the viewer gets the feeling of being present at some very important event. An event that is not subject to time.

Art critics pay attention to some important details of the painting. This is a bird in the baby's hand, and what is especially important is that the nursing cutouts on the Madonna's dress are sewn up. And one of the cutouts was ripped open. The opening is clearly in a hurry. Why and for what purpose did the artist show the ripped seam?

Isn't it possible that the mother rips her dress before each feeding?

Madonna planned to wean the child, but could not resist the tears of the child who wanted to eat. And she tore the seam.

Why did Leonardo paint the Madonna this way? Why this drama with the ripped seam?

By the beginning of the 14th century, first noble ladies and then commoners began to refuse to breastfeed their children. It was then that the fashion for firm, non-nursing breasts appeared. Being a scientist, Leonardo could not help but understand that this fashion was detrimental to the health of the child. And first da Vinci, and then other artists, began to deify the image of a nursing mother.

Lady with an ermine

The painting “Lady with an Ermine” depicts the mistress of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. This young woman's name was Cecilia Gallerani.

Cecilia was nice and smart girl. So smart that she often talked for many hours with Leonardo, and the famous sage of the Renaissance found these conversations meaningful and interesting.

Da Vinci wrote very original portrait- in those days, people were depicted in profile in portraits, and the lady in the master’s portrait stands at “three quarters.” Moreover, her head is turned in the other direction. As if at that moment someone called Cecilia. Such original technique showed and emphasized the beauty of the woman’s neck and shoulders, making the image come alive.

It is also noteworthy that there is an ermine in the picture. In those days, a cat would have been an exotic animal, and an ermine would have been a common domestic animal that caught mice in rich houses.

Unfortunately, the painting “Lady with an Ermine” was repainted several times by unknown artists in subsequent years. The background of the picture was replaced - previously the background was lighter. And there was a window behind the beauty’s left shoulder. For some unknown reason, the two lower fingers on Cecilia’s left hand were rewritten. And now the fingers are unnaturally twisted.

Mona Lisa or Gioconda

According to official version The painting depicts the wife of a Florentine silk merchant, Lisa Gherardini. However, this version is now actively refuted by experts.

There is an assumption that the picture shows the mistress of the Duke of Florence Giuliano Medici. This woman gave birth to a son for the Duke and soon died. And Giuliano ordered a portrait for his little son– the late mother was supposed to be depicted as the Madonna.

Da Vinci painted a posthumous portrait based on the Duke's words. And since he was writing the image, he endowed this image with the features of one of his students named Salai (for this reason, many critics note some similarities between the “Mona Lisa” (Jacoda) and “John the Baptist.”

Da Vinci, when painting this portrait, used the sfumato method to the maximum and this “shading” made the image very alive. One gets the feeling that Mona Lisa is breathing, her lips are moving subtly and the next moment they will open... In reproductions, this unsteadiness and this feeling of hidden movement is often difficult to see. But the original amazes everyone who saw it.

The painting was never transferred to the customer, who died in 1516. The artist went to France and took the painting with him, and worked on this image until last day own life.

More paintings by Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452, on April 15th. He died in 1519, on May 2. This person can certainly be considered one of the unique talents of our planet. He is known not only as one of the greatest sculptors and artists in Italy, but also as a poet, musician, philosopher, botanist, anatomist, chemist, engineer, explorer, and scientist. His discoveries and creations were ahead of their time by more than one era. We will describe the main paintings by Leonardo da Vinci with titles in this article.

"Portrait of Ginevra de Benci"

Done this work approximately from 1474 to 1478. This early work depicts a Florentine poetess who lived in the 15th century. From there we will begin to present you with paintings by Leonardo da Vinci with names and descriptions.

Probably this work can be considered the first psychological portrait in the history of painting. It clearly expresses a mood of sadness, possibly associated with the breakdown of this girl’s relationship with Bernardo Bembo, Venetian ambassador, her lover. Ginevra's pale face with narrow eyes and wide cheekbones stands out in contrast against the background of nature - the evening landscape. In the picture we see a juniper bush called jinepro. This is a subtle hint to the girl's name. The canvas demonstrates the artist's undoubted technical skill. With the help of sfumato, black and white modeling, the contours of the figure are softened. At the same time, the author violated the Renaissance tradition in the depiction of portraits that existed at that time. The model is turned to the right, not to the left, and the light source is positioned accordingly.

The emblem is on the back of this piece - a juniper branch placed inside a wreath of palm and laurel branches. “Beauty is the adornment of virtue,” says the Latin inscription on the ribbon entwining them.

"Saint Jerome"

We continue to describe Leonardo da Vinci's paintings with names. The following work was completed by the artist in 1482. It is kept in Unfortunately, some of the paintings of this great artist, thinker, and scientist of the Renaissance were not completed. The canvas that interests us also belongs to them. However, it is a work in which the entire author’s intention is already visible. The painting "Saint Jerome" was done at the underpainting level.

Description of the picture

It depicts Saint Jerome - translator of Latin language Bible, religious thinker, ascetic and ascetic, who retired to the desert, where he spent several years. This man is depicted as repentant. His eyes are full of prayer. He pushes aside his cloak over his shoulder with one hand and swings the other back, swinging to hit himself in the chest with a stone. Muscles of the ascetic, thin face, arms and shoulders are tense, the foot stands firmly on a large stone. Jerome is a continuous cry for forgiveness. On foreground we see the lion that, according to legend, has accompanied this saint since he met him in the desert and cured the beast. This wild animal submitted to the goodness and love with which God filled Jerome’s soul.

"Madonna and Child with Saint Anne"

This work, kept today in the Louvre, was completed around 1510 on a popular subject. It depicts the infant Christ with the Holy Virgin and Anna, her mother. The arrangement of the figures in this group differs from earlier compositions, which were static. Leonardo da Vinci spent the first years of the 16th century working on various options of this plot. For example, a drawing has been preserved that shows a slightly different interpretation, including John the Baptist in his infancy.

Although St. Anna in her usual place, that is, behind the Holy Virgin, all three figures are very realistic and alive. Leonardo da Vinci, moving away from the then-existing tradition of depicting Anna as an elderly matron, painted her as unexpectedly attractive and young. She can hardly contain her glee at the sight of the baby. An allusion to the future role of the innocent victim, the lamb of God for the atonement of sins, is the lamb in the arms of Christ.

"Madonna and Child"

This painting is exhibited in the Hermitage. The years of its creation are 1490-1491. It also has a second name - “Madonna Lita”, named after one of the owners of this painting, Leonardo da Vinci. The title of the painting “Madonna and Child” tells us the plot. Every person who looks at the canvas has a feeling of sublime peace, contemplative spiritual silence. In the image of the Madonna, da Vinci combined the earthly, sensual, spiritual and sublime into one unshakable harmonious image of beauty. Her face is serene, and, despite the fact that there is no smile on her lips, her posture and tilt of her head express endless tenderness towards the child. Madonna breastfeeds her baby. He looks absentmindedly at the viewer, holding his mother's chest with his right hand. On the left is the goldfinch bird, which is a symbol of the Christian soul.

"Madonna Benois" ("Madonna and Child")

There are two paintings by Leonardo da Vinci with titles (a photo of one of them was presented above), similar friend on a friend. - this is both “Madonna Benois” and “Madonna Lita”. We have already met the last one. Let's tell you about the first one. This work is also kept in the Hermitage. It was completed by the artist in 1478.

This painting is one of the iconic ones in his work. The center of the composition is a flower in the hands of Mary, to which Jesus is drawn. The master places the Madonna, dressed in the Florentine fashion that existed in the 15th century, and the baby in a room lit only by a window located in the back of the room. But a soft, different light pours from above. He brings the canvas to life with the play of chiaroscuro. This gives volume to the figures and reveals the modeling of the form. The picture has a slightly muted, dim color.

"Mona Lisa"

We continue to describe the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci with names and year. The next work that interests us is now in the Louvre. It was written between 1503 and 1505. There is not a single mention of this work in the artist’s own notes. It's about, perhaps, about the most famous painting Leonardo da Vinci - painting "Mona Lisa".

Who is depicted in this picture?

There are many versions of who is actually depicted in the painting. It has been suggested that this is a self-portrait of the artist himself or his student, an image of his mother, or simply a collective female image. According to official opinion, the picture shows the wife of a Florentine merchant. On the lips of this woman there is a frozen look that gives her face charm and mystery. famous smile. It seems that it is not the viewer who is looking at her, but she is watching him with an understanding, deep gaze.

The painting is made in unusually thin, almost transparent layers. It seems that she is alive, and not painted. The strokes are so small that neither X-rays nor a microscope detect traces of the artist’s work and cannot determine the number of layers in the painting. “La Gioconda” is unusually airy. The space of the picture is filled with a light haze. It allows diffused light to pass through.

"Annunciation"

The main paintings by Leonardo da Vinci with the titles that we presented in this article conclude with a description of the next painting. You can admire this work in It was written in 1472.

The master worked on the canvas while he was still in Verrocchio’s workshop. The artist had to complete this painting, begun by other students, and also correct their mistakes. Leonardo completed several sketches that depicted Mary's cloak, as well as the robes of the Archangel Gabriel. He rewrote the draperies based on these drawings. As a result, they lay in voluminous folds. After this, the master painted Gabriel’s head again, tilting it slightly, but did not have time to make changes to the image of Mary. Her pose does not look entirely natural. Probably, the one who worked on the canvas before Leonardo did not know the laws of perspective very well. However, in an unexpected way, all these mistakes show how difficult it was to master realistic painting.

These are the main paintings of Leonardo da Vinci with names and descriptions. We tried to briefly talk about them. Of course, the title of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings is English language sounds different, just like in Italian, the artist’s own language. However, every person, regardless of nationality, is able to be imbued with these great works. Many English people, for example, do not necessarily need to see the titles of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings in English. They already know what kind of work it is. The works of the great artist are so popular that they often do not need introduction.

Today everyone knows, even schoolchildren, who the legendary Leonardo da Vinci is. He became famous thanks to many interesting inventions and projects, but most of all, he is known as the best artist of the Renaissance.

Who is Da Vinci?

Each of his works evokes admiration and a lot of discussion, because each of his pictures is full of mysteries that his contemporaries are still puzzling over.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that he was born on April 15, 1452, and died on May 2, 1519, and in such a short time, he managed to create many masterpieces that are worth looking at at least once in his life.

Let's see best works this legendary man?

"Mona Lisa" (La Gioconda)

It's hard to imagine a person not familiar with the image famous Mona Lisa.

To date, the painting "Mona Lisa" is considered the most famous work art in the world.

The full title of the painting is “Portrait of Mrs. Lisa Giocondo.” Da Vinci worked on the order of the silk merchant from Florence Francesco del Giocondo for 4 years and it remained unfinished. The artist did not hand over the painting to the customer and carried it with him until the end of his life.

The Mona Lisa gained incredible popularity due to its theft in 1911.

last supper

The Last Supper fresco is slowly but rapidly being destroyed due to Da Vinci's experiments with materials. The monumental painting depicts the scene of Christ's last meal with his disciples.

Created in the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Vitruvian Man

This is a drawing created as an illustration for a book about the works of Vitruvius (Roman encyclopedist). This drawing clearly shows the image of a man in two positions, one on top of the other.

What's special about this drawing? It is called the canonical proportion.

"Vitruvian Man" received the status of a work of art and scientific work.

Self-portrait

The most reliable source of our knowledge about what the great artist looked like is his Turin self-portrait.

It was made with sanguine on paper, but over time it was quite damaged, and this moment not exhibited.

There are a lot of speculations around the drawing: in particular, some studies have found that it is a sketch for the painting “Mona Lisa”!

Madonna Litta

The Littas are a Milanese family that kept the Madonna together with other paintings in their collection throughout the 19th century. Today the canvas belongs State Hermitage Museum. It was painted in 1490-1491 and depicts a woman feeding a baby.

The girl’s gaze, thoughtful and full of tenderness, is fixed on the child. The baby looks at the viewer, holding his mother’s chest with one hand and holding the goldfinch in the other.

Annunciation

One of early paintings Leonardo da Vinci. There is no perspective in it yet (it was simply not used before Leonardo), but carefully drawn folds on the clothes and the expressive hands of the Virgin Mary are already visible.

By the way, the wings of the Archangel Gabriel were initially more proportional, but later some Unknown artist I finished drawing them, and the wings turned out to be somewhat bulky.

Madonna with pomegranate

The earliest, most touching and spontaneous of all Madonnas by Leonardo da Vinci. All the works he created later (including the aforementioned Litta) are close to it in style and composition. The image of a young mother conveys gentleness and tranquility.
Some researchers explain a certain disproportion of the child’s body by the absence of a baby sitter for the artist, and yet it is strange to suspect the great master of drawing “at random”! Most likely, he wanted to emphasize the unearthly origin of this child.

Woman's head

This is just a sketch made with pencil and chalk, but it amazes art connoisseurs with the careful depiction of details (for example, curls of hair) and the accurate transmission of emotions manifested in the eyes of a young woman, the curve of her lips...

Lady with an ermine

The painting was painted towards the end of the 15th century. The girl in the picture is presumably Cecilia Galleroni, the favorite of Duke Ludovico Sforzi, because at the time the picture was painted, da Vinci was in the service of this nobleman.

But this painting is not at all like a standard portrait of a beautiful grande dame. The figure is depicted in three-quarter view, and the gaze is directed to the side (da Vinci's innovation).

By the way, the girl herself is not such an “air nymph” at all: despite her attractiveness, the hard fold of her lips betrays her imperious character. Just like the hand that holds the animal - supposedly carefully, but at the same time tenaciously (and da Vinci’s hands always turned out to be very expressive).

Well, in order to become the favorite of such a noble man, an iron character was indeed required...

John the Baptist

A figure often depicted in painting, but how was the Baptist usually depicted? A middle-aged man, with a beard and a stern look... But not a sweet smiling young man, as Leonardo portrayed him!

The picture belongs to late period artist's creativity. It's surprising that there's nothing familiar in the background picturesque landscape: John’s light body stands out against the gloomy monotonous background.

The figure of John the Baptist is equipped with traditional symbols:

• thin reed cross;
• woolen clothes;
• long hair.

Thumbs up right hand is also a traditional gesture that often appears in da Vinci's paintings. Perhaps in this way the artist wanted to convey something important.

The image of John is gentle, he has a soft smile and an amazing look, as if penetrating the viewer’s soul.