The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo di Vinci is set against a detailed landscape that dissolves mysteriously into the misty distance. The picture has a smoky tone to it which gives it a transition between the lights and dark in shading and also gives an ancient varnish effect to the painting which adds to its color. The setting alone hints at something sacred taking place. The woman has a divine quality of Madonna where her hands are reaching out to one of the angels. The angels surround Madonna in a triangular shape which engages with the viewer in this special scene.
The Tempest by Giorgione also has a mysterious look to it where in the distance there is a bolt of lightning which splits the darkening sky. The colors are subdued with soft lighting and greens from the trees and the blue sky which is dominating. The wooden bridge in the background creates a line that cuts the painting in two horizontally which puts the elements in the painting in perspective. The painting gives an appearance that the Madonna and the soldier are isolated and are asymmetrical. Madonna is sitting in this little corner with a white cloth around her and looks natural and relaxed while she is nursing the baby. The landscape is more of the painter’s imagination which emerges in the background.
Both paintings that are from the Renaissance era capture the value of science, art, geometry and the natural world. Humanism and spirit are inhibited even though there is a limited amount of figures in the paintings. The spirit gives the viewers a feeling that there is a communication of interaction between the figures. The lighting in the background of both paintings are dark and mysterious, but there seems to be a shine of light on both Madonna’s which symbolizes a personage which plays off each of the women. During this Renaissance period both artists capture scenes about the celebration of humanity by bringing back the natural body.
Stacey Ginsberg
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