The Virgin of the Rocks

Purchasing Prints

It seems strange that in The Virgin of the Rocks we see two complete versions of a subject from an artist who failed to finish so many of his commissions. Leonardo's Louvre version of 1483/1486 is the earlier of the two works while the National Gallery painting is dated 1495/1508.

Both paintings are oil on panel but the Louvre version has been transferred to canvass.

Personal Opinion :-

I have seen both of these paintings and don't really have a favourite, although the London version seems to be more tightly finished than the one in the Louvre, I like them both.
How's that for sitting on the fence?
The brushwork and contrast between light and dark (chiaroscuro) is typical Leonardo and standing before these paintings you do feel the power and the presence of the great artist. It really is shiver up the spine time!

Enjoy!

The Virgin or the Rocks. Leonardo da Vinci. (w)
199 × 122 cm, 78.3 × 48.0 Louvre, Paris.

The subject of the paintings is a legendary meeting between the infant Jesus and John the Baptist on the flight into Egypt. The Madonna is at the centre of the composition with Jesus seated with the angel Uriel his arm raised in blessing, John's hands are seen clasped in prayer.

The Virgin of the Rocks. Leonardo da Vinci. (w)
189.5 × 120 cm, 74.6 × 47.25 National Gallery, London.

In this London version haloes have been added as has John the Baptist's staff, also John's is pose has changed slightly from the Louvre version.

The angel Uriel no longer points at the figure of John and these changes are probably intended to clarify the identity of the two infants. This resolves and dismisses any suggestion that the child closest to the Madonna is Jesus and not John the Baptist.

Looking at paintings in a book is fine but it is really is no substitute for seeing works of art in the flesh. Try to get out there and have a jaw dropping experience.
Go on you can do it!

The Virgin of the Rocks back to Leonardo
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