The Virgin of the Rocks was created by Leonardo da Vinci. It was commissioned in 1483 but not finished until 1508. The first element I noticed when I found this work is the use of color. We see a lot of muted color in the background and surrounding detail. The bright orange and green cloaks worn by the subjects draw the eye to the subjects. Orange and green are opposite colors and their representations as they are pulling away from each other in the painting can illicit conflict or indecision. Green represents a new beginning or reformation whereas orange can represent impatience, arrogance, or enthusiasm. Being a religious painting during the renaissance period these colors can point towards religious skepticism or divide.
Shape is another important element in this painting. We see shape used to define landscape. Round ovals are used to depict large swooping rock formation at the top of the painting. As we find ourselves moving down the piece we see the round shape gives to triangle rock formations. This choice to more triangular shaped rocks as a representation of turmoil underneath a smooth, prosperous surface. This pairs with the aforementioned color to build upon these two forces good and evil or possibly right and wrong and the struggle they fight throughout the painting.
The final element that should be mentioned is the use of light and shadow. We see lots of dark shadow in the cave like structure surrounding the subjects but also bright light peaking through the outskirts of the painting. The darkness of the cave can invoke feelings of protection from the unknown. The darkness allows our eyes to focus on the foreground, what is in front of us, while the light represents the outside and unknown. The light washes the background of the painting making it impossible to make out what is outside this cave structure.
Renaissance paintings are deeply attached to the Catholicism. As someone who grew up attending a Catholic church on occasion with my father, I associate works like Da Vinci's The Virgin on the Rocks as with the faith. Virgin Mary is endeared and seen as the holiest saint within Catholicism. Paintings of the period are seen in Catholic churches throughout the world. Personally I am not sure I would want a print of The Virgin on the Rocks as I view it as a divisive work that questions the direction of humanity during this time. The juxtaposition of these art elements make me feel troubled towards the direction of my own future.
Works Cited
Dr. Asa Simon Mittman, "Color," in Smarthistory, June 24, 2019, accessed September 16, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/color/.
Dr. Asa Simon Mittman, "Line," in Smarthistory, June 23, 2019, accessed September 16, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/line/.
The National Gallery, London. “Leonardo and the Virgin of the Rocks.” Leonardo and the Virgin of the Rocks | Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece | National Gallery, London, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/past/leonardo-experience-a-masterpiece/
Hey Aidan, I agree that the orange and green cloaks draw the viewer's attention as they were the first thing that caught my attention. I also noticed da Vinci added texture to the painting by adding leaves and other plants. Seeing so many plants in a cave is interesting, and I wonder what the meaning is behind this.
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