Virgin of the Rocks, photo courtesy of the Louvre, Paris
Visitors to The Louvre, Paris can see many of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works, including the Mona Lisa and Virgin of the Rocks. Leonardo painted the latter canvas (pictured) in 1483 for the Chapel of the Immacolata in the Church of San Francesco Grande in Milan. Scholars consider that the two canvases on this same subject - one in the Louvre and the other in London's National Gallery - are two versions of the same painting.
The Paris Virgin of the Rocks, painted entirely by Leonardo, first adorned the altar in San Francesco Grande. Leonardo may have given it to King Louis XII of France, in appreciation for settling a dispute over payment with those who commissioned the work. The later painting - now in London - replaced the original one in the chapel.
I would love to see these in person. What a humbling experience that must be. I would love to be able to paint like this.
I had read that they infra-red this painting and there was another painting beneath it of a woman and a child. I wonder about the symbolism of it all.
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 16 September 2006 at 00:04
Beautiful.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 14 September 2006 at 18:40
My senses were so overwhelmed when I visited the Louvre a few years ago ... it is nice to simply reflect upon one painting, as you've done here. Lovely.
Posted by: Deborah | 14 September 2006 at 18:29
what an amazing experience to be able to see these works of art in real life. ahh maybe oneday!
Posted by: miss*R | 14 September 2006 at 12:23