Research on Da Vinci and Michelangelo (Draft)
This paper will discuss the three works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and contrast them according to the elements of the artistic techniques and standards with emphasis on individual style and composition. This paper will also discuss how they two artists influenced art in the 16th century in Italy and Europe. How they were able to raise the benchmarks in European art and establishment of high renaissance period. Several examples will be mentioned to support the facts of their influence and detailed description of their own work in comparison to one another.
I. Introduction
Da’Vinci and Michelangelo
“The two biggest names in the history of arts Da’Vinci and Michelangelo have contributed a lot to the development of the 16th century arts in Italy and to the rest of the European region. But even though the two artists have great influenced arts in many aspects there are still notable distinction between their methods and concepts when it comes to their masterpieces. They both use unique approach in their works that earned them specific patrons and followers. Da’Vinci is more of a consummate artist who uses scientific techniques and his works known to have utmost precision. Michelangelo on the other hand is more focused on still-life approach and he as the ability to extract two distinct figures from a single slab of marble.”
II. Discussion
Michelangelo and Da’Vinci Works in Contrast
“Both artists made phenomenal and historical masterpieces, but just like any ordinary artist they too have some artworks that failed to complete for some reason. Michelangelo’s “The Entombment” was commissioned for an altarpiece in Agostino in Rome, from 1501 to 1502 Michelangelo waited for the payment for this painting but never came and the painting was left undone (The Entombment. 2009). Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist” was commissioned by King Louis XII of France to revise the composition of the drawing as requested by the king’s second wife Anne for the purpose of making it more special. Michelangelo started working on this painting from 1508 and was also left undone after he died in Louvre, Paris (LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452–1519) The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist about 1499–1500 Charcoal, with white chalk heightening, on paper, 142 × 106 cm NG 6337. 2006). those are just the common elements surrounding the two artworks. But in terms of the technical aspects and specifications of the artists have demonstrated different approach in the process. The most notable characteristics among the two artworks are the use of medium. In “The Entombment”, oil in wood was used, which is common in many paintings while “The Virgin and Child” used charcoal with white chalk for heightening and it was on paper.”
III. Conclusion
“Both of them devised their own ways of creating their masterpieces and they were indeed successful in doing so. As a result their artistry became the foundation of style eras and they are always the inspiration of any artists after them. No matter how different they are in artistic ability, their ingenuity is still their greatest contribution to visual arts. Their surviving masterpieces give testament to their greatness and unparalleled talent.”
IV. List of References Used
Paintings 1500–1600: THE WEST WING (2006) In the National Gallery Companion Guide. Retrieved on April 17, 2012from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ngcg/paintings_1500_1600_the_west_wing
The Entombment (2009) In National Gallery Collection Retrieved on April 17, 2012 from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ng/the_entombment/1
LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452–1519) The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist about 1499–1500 Charcoal, with white chalk heightening, on paper, 142 × 106 cm NG 6337 (2006). In the National Gallery Companion Guide Retrieved on April 17, 2012 from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ngcg/leonardo_da_vinci_1452_1519_the_virgin_and_child_with_saint_anne_and_saint_john_the_baptist_about_1499_1500_charcoal_with_white_chalk_heightening_on_paper_142_%C3%97_106_cm_ng_6337
Renaissance art (2010) In the Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather guide Retrieved on April 17, 2012 from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/heliconhe/renaissance_artCj-direct.com
Italian art (2008) In the Columbia Encyclopedia Retrieved on April 17, 2012 from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/columency/italian_art
