8 Famous Paintings & Artworks by Leonardo da Vinci

The Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, is perhaps the most famous and enigmatic portrait in the history of Western art. Painted by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1506, this masterpiece has captivated audiences for centuries with its intriguing subject and exquisite craftsmanship.

The painting depicts a young woman believed to be Lisa Gherardini, a member of the Florentine Gherardini family. Her enigmatic smile and piercing gaze have been a subject of fascination, inspiring countless interpretations and speculation.

Leonardo's meticulous attention to detail and mastery of technique is evident in the painting. The use of sfumato, a technique blending colors and tones to create a soft, smoky effect, gives the portrait a remarkable sense of depth and realism. The subtle gradations of light and shadow add a sense of three-dimensionality to the subject's face.

The background of the painting features a hazy landscape, suggesting a mysterious setting and drawing the viewer's attention to the figure in the foreground. The sitter is portrayed in a half-length pose, with her upper body and face being the focal point. Her hands, resting gently on each other, provide a sense of serenity and elegance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mona Lisa is the ambiguity surrounding the sitter's expression. The smile, delicate and elusive, has led to much speculation and interpretation. Some perceive it as mysterious and inviting, while others see a sense of melancholy or even hidden knowledge. This ambiguity has contributed to the painting's enduring allure and the ongoing fascination surrounding it.

The Mona Lisa's influence extends far beyond the realm of art. It has become an iconic symbol of beauty, grace, and artistic excellence. Countless reproductions, parodies, and references in popular culture have solidified its status as a global cultural icon.

The painting has faced its share of challenges throughout history. It was stolen from the Louvre Museum in 1911, which sparked a widespread search and generated significant media attention. Fortunately, it was recovered in 1913 and returned to its place of prominence.

Today, the Mona Lisa remains one of the most treasured and protected artworks in the world. It is displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where millions of visitors from around the globe flock to catch a glimpse of this timeless masterpiece.

The Last Supper is a painting created by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1495-98. This painting is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. This painting is an oil on a mural and measures approximately 15 feet by 29 feet. It depicts the last meal shared between Jesus and his twelve apostles, as recounted in the Gospel of John. Jesus is seated in the middle of the painting and is raising a chalice of wine in his right hand to signify the start of the Eucharist. To his right and left are the apostles, each with their own individual facial expressions and gestures that convey their emotions. The painting is done in a realistic style, with a strong emphasis on the physical features of each apostle. Jesus is also depicted realistically, as a man in his thirties, but with a divine aura surrounding him. The setting of the painting is a grand, but somewhat austere. The walls are bare, except for a window in the upper right corner shining a bright light onto the scene. This light source is thought to symbolize the presence of God, emphasizing the holiness of the moment. The Last Supper is a masterpiece of Renaissance painting and is one of the most iconic works of art in the world. It is symbolic of the moments leading up to Jesus’s death, as well as the reaction of the apostles to his impending crucifixion. The painting has inspired countless interpretations of the scene and serves as a reminder of the importance of the sacrifice Jesus made.

Vitruvian Man, an iconic drawing created by the iconic Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci in c.1490, is a representation of the perfect human form and a symbol of the Renaissance. The drawing depicts a standing male figure within two overlapping circles, inscribed with the symbols of the cosmos. The figure is wearing a tunic and is in a balanced position, with his arms and legs outstretched and symmetrical. This position is known as the "Vitruvian pose" and is based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, who believed that the ideal man should represent perfect harmony between the physical and spiritual. The drawing is also thought to represent the perfect human form by symbolizing the divine proportion, which is a mathematical concept that is found throughout nature. The drawing of the Vitruvian Man is not only a representation of the perfect human form, but also a visual representation of da Vinci's scientific studies of the human body. He was influenced by the ideas of Vitruvius and by the work of the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, who believed that the world was made up of perfect proportions. By combining these two concepts, da Vinci was able to create a drawing that is both aesthetically pleasing and reflective of his scientific studies. The Vitruvian Man is widely recognized as one of the most iconic images of the Renaissance and is a lasting testament to Leonardo da Vinci's genius. It has since become a symbol of the harmonious balance between man and the universe, as well as a reminder of the importance of the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Created in red chalk around the year 1512, the 'Self Portrait' depicts a bearded man with an intense gaze and flowing hair. The portrait portrays a sense of wisdom and introspection, capturing the spirit of a man who has witnessed and experienced much in his lifetime.

The self-portrait showcases Leonardo's keen attention to detail and his ability to capture the nuances of facial expression. The delicate lines and shading in the drawing create a sense of depth and volume, bringing the face to life. The use of red chalk adds warmth and softness to the portrayal, further enhancing the overall effect.

While some art historians believe the drawing to be a self-portrait, others have raised questions regarding its attribution. Some argue that it may be a representation of an older Leonardo, while others propose that it could be a portrait of a different individual altogether.

Regardless of its authenticity, the self-portrait in red chalk provides insight into Leonardo's appearance and perhaps his own self-perception. It offers a glimpse into the mind of a genius, reflecting his mastery of artistic technique and his curiosity about the human form.

While Leonardo da Vinci is not widely recognized for his self-portraits, the drawing known as the "Self-Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci" stands as a possible representation of the artist himself. It showcases his exceptional skill in capturing facial expression and demonstrates his introspective nature. Although the authenticity of the portrait remains debated, it serves as a testament to Leonardo's profound impact on the world of art and his enduring legacy as a Renaissance master.

The Virgin of the Rocks is an oil painting on wood panel created by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci between 1483 and 1486. It is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris and is one of the most famous works of art in the world. The painting depicts an angelic figure of the Virgin Mary surrounded by two standing figures of the infant Jesus and a young John the Baptist. The figures are set against a landscape of mountains, a cave and a lake, with a large rock in the foreground. The figures of the Virgin and Child are seated in the center of the painting, with their heads bowed in prayer. The Virgin is wearing a blue robe and cloak, and her hair is covered by a veil. She is holding a lily in her right hand, symbolising her purity. The infant Jesus is dressed in a red tunic and is holding a crystal orb in his right hand. The young John the Baptist stands to the right of the Virgin, wearing a brown tunic and holding a cross in his right hand. The painting has a dream-like quality, with its muted colors, soft lighting and ethereal figures. The landscape is also notable, with its jagged mountains, winding lake and towering rock, creating a sense of awe and mystery. The painting has been interpreted in various ways, but many view it as a representation of the Immaculate Conception, with the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus representing the Madonna and Child. The Virgin of the Rocks is an iconic painting that has inspired countless other works of art, from paintings to sculptures to architecture. Its timeless beauty and captivating mystery still capture the imagination of viewers today, making it one of the most beloved works of art in the world.

The head of a woman from the 1500-10 period is usually characterized by a long, oval face with a small chin and a rounded forehead. The nose is usually quite pronounced, with a straight bridge and slightly flared nostrils. The eyes are typically almond-shaped, with heavy upper eyelids and long lashes. The lips are full, with a pronounced Cupid's bow and a slight downturn at the corners. The hair is often long, with a full fringe, and can be worn loose or in a variety of styles, including braided and coiled. The neck is usually slender and graceful, with a smooth, graceful curve that leads to the shoulders. The hairline is usually low and the ears are usually small and set close to the head. The eyebrows are usually quite thin and shaped in a natural arch. The cheekbones are usually quite prominent and the jawline is usually quite sharp. The facial features of a woman from this period are usually quite soft and delicate, with a clear complexion and soft coloring. The coloring often varies from woman to woman, with some having lighter skin tones and some having darker, more exotic complexions. Overall, the head of a woman from this period is characterized by a delicate, beautiful face with classic features, such as a prominent nose, almond-shaped eyes, full lips, and an elegant neck. These features are often complemented by long, graceful hair and a natural complexion.

Lady with an Ermine is a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, created around 1489-1491. The painting depicts a young woman in profile, wearing a dress decorated with gold embroidery and a fur-lined cloak. She is holding a white ermine in her left hand. The woman is believed to be Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who was a patron of Leonardo's work. The painting is executed in oil and tempera on a walnut panel which measures 40.2 x 30.2 cm. Lady with an Ermine is one of only four female portraits painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and the only one which is in private ownership. It has been in the Czartoryski family collection since 1884, and is kept at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland. The painting is composed of a number of elements which demonstrate Leonardo's skill in painting. The woman is depicted in a profile view, which was a common pose for female portraits at the time. The background is a simple landscape with a river and a mountain in the distance. In the foreground is a stone ledge, which is painted with a warm yellow tone and a smooth surface. The woman's face is painted with a warm, rosy hue, and her large eyes are framed by delicate, light-colored eyebrows. Her lips are slightly parted, and her expression is calm and serene. The woman's clothing is intricately detailed, with intricate embroidery and delicate fur trim. The ermine is painted in careful detail, with a white coat and black spots. Lady with an Ermine is an example of Leonardo da Vinci's skill and expertise in painting. The painting demonstrates his ability to capture a sitter's likeness, and to create a captivating and detailed portrait. Its delicate and intricate details show Leonardo's skill in creating depth and texture in a painting. The painting is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, and is a testament to Leonardo da Vinci's skill and talent as an artist.

Salvator Mundi is an oil painting created by the renowned Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1500. It is believed to be one of the last surviving paintings of Jesus Christ attributed to da Vinci. The painting depicts a half-length figure of Christ, holding a crystal orb in his left hand and extending his right hand in benediction. He is wearing a blue robe and has a halo of golden light around his head. The background is a deep blue sky, with a distant landscape of trees and buildings visible. The painting is composed of several visual elements that communicate the spiritual and divine qualities of Christ. Symbolically, his body is framed by a mandorla, a halo-shaped circle used to represent divine figures in Renaissance art. The orb held in his hand represents the world, and the gesture of blessing with his right hand symbolizes his power to give salvation. The blue robe signifies his purity, and the golden halo around his head indicates his divine nature. The painting is a striking representation of the divine power of Jesus Christ, and has become well-known for its beauty and detail. Its composition is balanced and harmonious, and da Vinci’s use of light and shade adds a sense of realism and depth to the scene. The painting is also known for its rich symbolism and its detailed brushwork, which is indicative of da Vinci’s masterful technique. Salvator Mundi is an important example of Renaissance art and a testament to the skill and genius of Leonardo da Vinci.