Posted on 02/15/2020 6:37:37 AM PST by SunkenCiv
Leonardo da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks (about 1491/2-9 and 1506-8) originally had a very different composition, new research by the National Gallery in London revealed. Analysis of the artwork showed that two distinct drawings depicting the same figures in different poses lie beneath the painting, which is one of the most popular in the museum's collection.
In the first composition, the angel holds the infant Christ much more tightly, and both figures are positioned higher. The Virgin also looks toward the pair, instead of staring downward. A second composition aligns much more closely to the final version, but still sheds light on Leonardo's artistic process. In that version, the infant Christ's head is seen in profile, and some of the angel's curly hair is missing. Experts also found handprints on the painting from patting down the priming on the panel, which may belong to an assistant or to Leonardo himself.
The newly discovered drawings were made using materials that contained zinc, enabling them to be seen in macro X-ray fluorescence maps. The scientific analysis of the painting also involved new infrared and hyperspectral imaging. Research conducted in 2004 and 2005 showed that the Virgin's pose had been altered, but revealed little evidence of other changes to the painting. An 18-month restoration of the work began in 2008 and it was returned to public display in 2010.
The National Gallery's The Virgin on the Rocks is Leonardo's second version of the painting (though some have questioned its attribution to the Renaissance master). Many experts theorized that Leonardo's clients were not satisfied with the original painting, causing him or an assistant to repaint it. A version from the 1480s belongs to the Louvre...
(Excerpt) Read more at artsy.net ...
“We carry on. :)”
Indeed! Sometimes it’s hard to interpret a print comment, without voice or facial expression.
Anyway, have a great evening!
It’s all good. So many educated people on FR. So much more can be done beyond political news.
It’s one reason I like listening to Michael Savage. He tends to go off on tangents. And those tangents are often the most enjoyable segments of his show!
There are also a couple of versions of this painting, including with and without halos, and the angel looking different places.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.