During the Renaissance, there was a movement towards humanism, in which artists focused on humans' intellect and achievements rather than solely on religion. Humanism relates to art, where the artist highlights the people and actions within the pieces. Leonardo Da Vinci was a key person during the Italian Renaissance (1452-1519) for humanism. Da Vinci was a man who was constantly in pursuit of knowledge, "In his explicit turn back to an ancient model in search of knowledge and wisdom, Leonardo follows early humanist practice" (Jones). This often led to his sketching various parts of human forms and even plants. An example of the human form is the Vitruvian Man, a sketch created in 1490. When it was created, it was not so much for artwork but rather a process of research where each line was carefully thought about and how to display the scientific concepts.
Leonardo da Vinci, “Vitruvian Man,” c. 1490, pen and watercolor over metalpoint on paper, 34.4 x 24.5 cm (Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice)
The drawing illustrates a man confined within a circle and a square, reaching all corners with his arms and legs. It showcases four arms and four legs to express movement. While the shapes are two-dimensional, the man, especially his face, is shaded, adding depth and making it three-dimensional. This forces the viewer to focus on the man and gives a central starting point. The background of this sketch was Da Vinci's interest in the human body and its proportions and movement. The sketch was thought to be about the "Canon of human proportions by Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, outlined in his Treatise on Architecture" ( Mascia 3). Vitruvius considered human proportions related to nature, whereas Da Vinci thought all were already created in perfect proportions. Through his research, he later discovered this was incorrect and that Vitruvius was right in his hypothesis that human proportions are part of nature.
What is so inspiring about this piece of art is not the art itself but what led up to it. The pursuit of knowledge and research-driven sketches showcase the emotion and determination behind it. While the handwriting is ineligible, it adds to the atmosphere of intelligence and struggles. It shows a humanist continuing to be engaged in the human form and what it takes to understand and illustrate it.
Bibliography
Ch’ien, Letha. “Leonardo Da Vinci, ‘Vitruvian Man.’” Smarthistory, 24 Oct. 2023,
Jones , Anne Hudson. “Leonardo Da Vinci: Art, Anatomy and Humanism.” Neh Institute, University of
Mascia, Liberato. “The Vitruvian Man of Leonardo Da Vinci: Renaissance Graphical Abstract of a
Scientific Investigation of the Proportions of the Human Body.” Academia.Edu, Loughborough
University, UK, 29 Mar. 2024,
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ReplyDeleteI really like how you connected this artwork to something more than art and how the handwriting reminded you about the atmosphere of intelligence and struggles. I see how this painting would relate to humanism as it demonstrates the importance of the individual human in their most natural, "human" state and how humans are part of the universe. I think this artwork also combines several different things besides art such as geometry and anatomy.
While this work by Leonardo da Vinci isn’t the most eye-catching or elaborate, it has become one of the most recognizable pieces from the Renaissance. I completely agree that the history of the piece is inspiring for its representation of the pursuit of knowledge. Da Vinci was very much influenced by the rebirth of ancient Rome during the Renaissance era. I found a description and translation of the text which I think adds to the piece. With the translation of the text, it combines art with mathematics and science, a foundation in the Renaissance.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who struggles with depicting realistic anatomy, I've always deeply appreciated da Vinci's studies. The Vitruvian Man is such an iconic piece; both artistically and technically impressive! I appreciate your mention that the work wasn't really created to be gallery-worthy so much as a sketch study, and find it so interesting how something as menial as an artist's research can become so well-known and appreciated so long after its creation!
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