Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci

As I read through the list of choices, only one called out to me. I have always been a big fan of the renaissance, and the works that came out of that time. My fiancé and I have started a tradition of going to the Renaissance Festival every year, its been going on for the last couple years. The Renaissance was a tremendous era that produced a lot of great artwork, inventions, and even lifestyles. Many people were needed life to start again, and the Renaissance was that for them. Renaissance is translated to mean "Rebirth," and that is exactly what happened during this time period. Everything was revitalized and rejuvenated; from artwork to living styles, and from inventions to religion. No matter where in the world you are from, at some point in your life you will learn about the Renaissance.

I have always liked the artwork that has come out of that time period. Many of the works of art from that time period are still prevalent in society today. The artist that I would like to cover is Leonardo da Vinci, although I feel that he is one of the most covered artists of all time. I have chosen to focus on him because his artwork and inventions are things that I love and find very interesting personally.

I believe that, in order to cover a great man such as Leonardo da Vinci, I must discuss multiple parts of his life, and not just his paintings. Don't get me wrong; I am nor saying that they are not important, but I believe that there was more to this man than just his paintings. Leonardo da Vinci was known for his paintings, along with drawings, and even many different inventions. I would like to take the time to discuss each of those areas on their own, and show how without looking at all of them, one would not get a well rounded insight into the incredible life of the Renaissance artist known to all as da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci was a great artist that has produced some of the world's most famous paintings, even to this day. One of the paintings that I think needs to be discussed is The Last Supper. This painting is very religiously themed, which was a reoccurring theme of the artwork of this time period. I realize that many people have talked about this painting, but I could not help speaking about it myself. After all, it is the most reproduced religious painting of all time1. There are so many things that make this piece so amazing. I love the fact that Jesus is in the form a triangle, which I believe to signify the Holy Trinity. He is also the focal point of the entire painting, based on his shape, the arrangement of the disciples, and also the formation of the room. Jesus' head is actually the vanishing point of the entire work2. Another part that is so interesting to me is that Judas is shown holding a small bag, which many believe is the money he was paid to turn Jesus over. This painting has so many different explanations; it is hard-pressed to find someone, especially someone of the faith, who does not like this painting.

Another very famous painting by da Vinci is the Mona Lisa. This painting is very well known and many think that it is actually a lot bigger than it really is. The actual painting only measures thirty inches high and almost twenty-one inches across3. This small painting took Leonardo da Vinci almost four years to paint4. Many people, including myself are very curious what she is smiling about. The painting is hanging in the French Museum of the Louvre. I believe that this painting will be around for a very long time, and will always be cause for debates over its meaning.

Apart from his paintings, he had many inventions that he drew up that he is known for. One of his