The Virgin of the Rocks (1483-1486)
“The secret of the picture’s effect lies in Leonardo’s use of every means at his disposal to emphasize the visionary nature of the scene: the soft colour tones (through chiaroscuro), the dim light of the cave from which the figures emerge bathed in light, their quiet attitude, the meaningful gesture with which the angel (the only figure facing the viewer) points to John as the intercessor between the Son of God and humanity—all this combines, in a patterned and formal way, to create a moving and highly expressive work of art.” - “Encyclopedia Britannica”
For the first time Leonardo could achieve in painting that intellectual program of fusion between human forms and nature which was slowly taking shape in his view of his art. - LEONARDO da vinci Virgin of the Rocks “Web Gallery of Art” “Artists who are famed for the use of chiaroscuro include Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. Leonardo employed it to give a vivid impression of the three-dimensionality of his figures, while Caravaggio used such contrasts for the sake of drama.” - “Chiaroscuro” The National Gallery |
In the Virgin of the Rocks, Leonardo Da Vinci was able to express his interest in nature, by combining the colour of the objects around Madonna, baby Jesus, an angel, and John the Baptist in this painting. Chiaroscuro, the powerful method used to contrast both dark and light that gives the illusion three dimension, was applied to the painting ("Chiaroscuro." The National Gallery.). The rocks, clothing, hand gestures, and complexion of each person, further distinguish the lighting differences in the painting ("LEONARDO da Vinci Virgin of the Rocks." Web Gallery of Art.). This is shown between the bright red cape in the foreground on the angel and the dull rocks behind. Leonardo's use of this sophisticated technique further distinguished him from his competition.