Madonna on the Rocks
Madonna on the Rocks
Madonna on the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci or also known as Virgin on the Rocks caused quite a commotion between Da Vinci and the commissioners due to his unorthodox methods. Madonna on Rocks was one of the only paintings left unfinished by Da Vinci. Da Vinci was commissioned to paint a alter piece for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, in the Church of San Francesco Grande in Milan on April 25, 1483. It was debated that the conflict was due to monetary payment or artistic restrictions. Two versions of this painting exist, one at the Louvre in Paris and the second held by the National Gallery in London. The Louvre painting may have been given by Da Vinci to King Louis XII of France in gratitude for settling the dispute between those who commissioned the works and the painter; this would have created the need for a second artwork. The Madonna of the Rocks is the first work that Da Vinci executed in Milan. It depicts the theme of the Immaculate Conception; this being the belief that the Christ child was conceived without original sin on Mary's part. This was a hotly debated topic in Da Vinci day and he was required to convey the purity radiating from the Virgin. In both paintings she was depicted as flat-chested and sitting in a cavern surrounded by rocks and womb images. The setting was perfect for the chapel as it was built over catacombs. The paintings illustrate a popular story of the time. It is of Jesus meeting an infant John the Hill 2
Baptist, who is in the care of the angel Uriel. Both are on the run to evade Herod's massacre of innocents. As John pays homage to Jesus he is blessed and the
Madonna on the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci or also known as Virgin on the Rocks caused quite a commotion between Da Vinci and the commissioners due to his unorthodox methods. Madonna on Rocks was one of the only paintings left unfinished by Da Vinci. Da Vinci was commissioned to paint a alter piece for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, in the Church of San Francesco Grande in Milan on April 25, 1483. It was debated that the conflict was due to monetary payment or artistic restrictions. Two versions of this painting exist, one at the Louvre in Paris and the second held by the National Gallery in London. The Louvre painting may have been given by Da Vinci to King Louis XII of France in gratitude for settling the dispute between those who commissioned the works and the painter; this would have created the need for a second artwork. The Madonna of the Rocks is the first work that Da Vinci executed in Milan. It depicts the theme of the Immaculate Conception; this being the belief that the Christ child was conceived without original sin on Mary's part. This was a hotly debated topic in Da Vinci day and he was required to convey the purity radiating from the Virgin. In both paintings she was depicted as flat-chested and sitting in a cavern surrounded by rocks and womb images. The setting was perfect for the chapel as it was built over catacombs. The paintings illustrate a popular story of the time. It is of Jesus meeting an infant John the Hill 2
Baptist, who is in the care of the angel Uriel. Both are on the run to evade Herod's massacre of innocents. As John pays homage to Jesus he is blessed and the