One of the world’s most famous artist Leonardo da Vinci created some of the greatest work ever seen by the naked eye. The Mona Lisa was a piece that he painted somewhere between 1503 and 1506 but rumor has it that this beautiful work of was not finished until 1517. Then you have Michelangelo Buonarroti, the creator of The Pieta, yet another fine work of art from the 16th century. These artist express their raw talent with the way the choice of color were used in the Mona Lisa also the materials that was put into the Pieta such as Carrera marble. Now speaking of the Mona Lisa, it is viewed by hundreds of people daily. What makes this piece so unique is that Leonardo managed to capture a natural looking image of the human form but yet allowed it to remain ageless, the smile of the woman known as Mona Lisa whose real name is Lisa Gherardini is what keeps some coming back, also the fact the Mona Lisa is the symbol of the Renaissance values and principles which characterize his work. I believe Leonardo da Vinci’s main reason for this piece was to help capture a priceless time or moment for a nobleman to celebrate the life of an unborn child but then decided not to sell the piece because it was far ahead of the normal paintings seen before. It was said to be his methodic experiments and feelings.
Now jumping into The Pieta, this piece was created by Michelangelo between 1498 and 1499. The Pieta is on display at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This statue is one of the most highly finished works by Michelangelo. In less than two years Michelangelo carved from a single slab of marble a piece that is forever talked about.
This is yet another master piece displaying the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. What makes this sculpture unique is the fact that this was the only work art that Michelangelo ever put his signature on. The Virgin Mary was designed to look more youthful than what she really was instead of being broken hearted of the lost and sacrifice. Looking at this piece you can notice her body was a bit larger maybe to show the realism of life, Mary realistically carrying her son. It is an important work of art as it balances the Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with naturalism.
Mona Lisa
By: Leonardo daVinci
1503-1506 continued 1517
Displayed in Louvre Museum in
Paris since 1797
Pieta
By: Michelangelo
1498-1499
Displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
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