Introduction
Lorenzo Monaco’s artwork “Madonna” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” are perfect examples of artwork that passed important information to the society. Leonardo da Vinci “Lady with an Ermine” was painted at around 1489-1490. The use of oil in the painting gives evidence that it was made during the Renaissance period as the oils had just been introduced in Italy at that time. The painting is currently held at Wawel Royal Castle. The Madonna painting by Lorenzo Monaco is a perfect example of artwork during the medieval era. Lorenzo’s painting has its subject as Mary the Virgin who is termed to be humble. The two paintings painted in different periods depict some historical information about their geographical settings.
Brief background analysis
Lorenzo Monaco’s artwork Madonna had Cecilia Gallerani as his subject in the painting. Cecilia was mistress to a Duke of Millan known as Ludovico. Leonardo was also giving service to the Duke. Leonardo made his painting on a wooden paper using oils. By Leonardo making a paint of the mistress who was very beautiful and re known poet it showed that the community was now influenced by humanization. The use of oil in making paintings is also an evidence of Renaissance time. In the painting, an ermine is a symbol of purity. The use of Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci shows the presence of impunity in the community during the painting. Lorenzo’s Madonna painting has its subject as Mary the Virgin. Lorenzo does give a humble look at the painting and makes his subject seem innocent. The painting is influenced by the Catholic religion that became powerful after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe (Perrotta, 2013). In the painting, it is evident that Lorenzo had incorporated that Christian idea of having Mary as his subject but used the Roman styles and iconography in his art. Lorenzo’s Madonna painting clearly shows the theme of religion. He is influenced by the Catholic Church hence makes a painting on Mary.
Comparison and contrast
Similarities
The first similarity is that in the two paintings the subjects are females. It implies that painters found it easy to make a painting of women than men during that period. It may also imply that the men during this time did not revel in having their images painted. It proves that these drawings are before the modern time. The other similarity is that the two subjects in the two paintings do not make a direct look. Both are having their eyes concentrated in another direction.
Differences
In the two paintings, there are some differences. The first difference is in the appearance and garment of the two subjects. In the painting by Lorenzo, his subject has her body well covered and only disposes her face. The subject also does look innocent from the look of her eyes. It makes the painting look moral and religious. In Leonardo’s painting, his subject dresses in a seductive way. She has her shoulders and chest exposed and has a necklace. In her eyes, she gives a sharp look. She also has her hair exposed which makes her look more beautiful. In Leonardo’s painting, there is a dark background and the color of the subject is more concentrated and brighter than Monaco’s painting. In Leonardo’s painting, there are more subjects in the painting; the woman and the ermine. It clearly indicates that there are more issues in the community compared to Monaco’s painting that only has one subject indicating that the community is only influenced by religion as per the time
The two artworks reflect some of the events that took place in the different societies based on the time. Lorenzo’s Madonna presents the various circumstances surrounding religion and the developments that took place in the spread of religion. The painting is influenced by the Catholic religion that became powerful after the fall of the Romans Empire in Europe. Christianity is incorporated in the painting based on the manner in which the woman is presented. Christianity is perceived a decent religion and, therefore, the woman was presented in a humble way. Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine painting made use of oil, and some of the body parts of the women were uncovered depicting impurity in the society.
Based on the different artworks, the cultures of people are presented as different as they have varied practices. My analysis reflects on the study of humanities based on the way in which people behave in the different societies. The study of music, art, architecture is important to my professional life as it enables me understand and appreciate the cultures of different individuals in the society.
The two artworks depict what happened in their different societies. Lorenzo Monaco’s artwork Madonna shows aspects of religion after the decline of Roman Empire. Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine shows some aspects of impurity in the society by presenting the woman with uncovered body parts and the ermine.
References
Leonardo Da Vinci.(2013): Artist, Scientist, Inventor. Firenze: Giunti.
Perrotta G.(2013).Phila Italy Americana: Italian Themes on United States Postage Stamps, Xlibris Corporation.
