Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was an Italian polymath who made significant contributions in painting, sculpting, architecture, science, engineering, anatomy, and mathematics. His most famous works of art include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and The Vitruvian Man. The Mona Lisa was painted between 1503 and 1506 and is considered one of the most iconic portraits of all time. The Last Supper is a mural painting that depicts the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples. The Vitruvian Man is a drawing of a man in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart and inscribed in a circle and square. These works of art are among the most recognized and celebrated in the world. This blog will discuss about 10 most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci.

1. Mona Lisa (1503-1506)

Mona Lisa
Photo Credit – Flickr

The Mona Lisa is one of the most iconic and recognizable paintings in the world. Created by the Italian Renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, between 1503 and 1506, it is an oil painting on a poplar wood panel. It is a half-length portrait of a woman whose gaze invites the viewer to contemplate her mysterious smile. Her hands are crossed in front of her and she is set against a backdrop of a distant landscape.

The painting is renowned for its use of sfumato, a technique where the light and shadow are blended together in layers to create a soft and subtle shading. The painting is also renowned for its enigmatic expression, the Mona Lisa’s smile, which is said to be a combination of sadness and joy. It has become one of the most celebrated works of art in the world, having been studied and admired for centuries.

2. The Last Supper (1495-1498)

The Last Supper
Photo Credit – Collections – GetArchive

Leonardo da Vinci completed “The Last Supper” between 1495 and 1498. This painting depicts the scene of the Last Supper, when Jesus announces to his Apostles that one of them will betray him. It shows the twelve Apostles with expressions of shock, anger, and disbelief. The painting is set in a large dining room with a long table in the center.

The composition of the painting is unique and complex, with the Apostles arranged in two rows, with Jesus in the center, and Judas to his right. The painting is rendered in shades of brown and green, which creates a somber atmosphere. The Last Supper is considered one of the most influential and iconic paintings in the world and has been widely reproduced and studied. It is an example of da Vinci’s revolutionary painting techniques, which made him one of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance.

3. Virgin of the Rocks (1483-1486)

Virgin of the Rocks
Photo Credit – Flickr

The Virgin of the Rocks (1483-1486) depicts the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus and the infant John the Baptist in a rocky landscape, with an angel hovering above them.

The painting is known for its dynamic composition and its use of light and shadow. The figures are placed in an ambiguous, dreamlike setting and are surrounded by an atmosphere of mystery and spirituality. The painting is considered a masterpiece of its time and is one of the most recognizable works of art by Leonardo da Vinci. It currently hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

4. Vitruvian Man (1490)

Vitruvian Man (1490)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Vitruvian Man (1490) is a famous drawing of Leonardo da Vinci. It is a study of the proportions of the human body and is a renowned symbol of the Renaissance period. The drawing depicts a nude male figure standing inside a square and a circle, with the figure’s arms and legs outstretched. It is based on a passage from the 1st century Roman architect, Vitruvius, who wrote that a man’s arm span and height are equal to his body length.

The drawing has also been interpreted as a representation of the ideal human proportions as defined by the ancient Greeks. It is seen as a combination of science and art, and is still considered an iconic piece of artwork today.

5. Lady with an Ermine (1490-1491)

Lady with an Ermine (1490-1491)
Photo Credit – Wikimedia Commons

Lady with an Ermine is a iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Completed in 1490-1491, it is one of only four surviving paintings by the artist. The painting portrays the 15-year-old Cecilia Gallerani, a mistress of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. She is depicted seated in a three-quarter view, with a small white ermine, a symbol of purity and loyalty, nestled into her arms.

The painting is rendered in a soft, muted palette, with intricate details and a subtle, but powerful, sense of movement. Cecilia’s gaze is directed outwards, giving the painting a sense of introspection and contemplation. Her facial features are delicate and her expression is enigmatic and thoughtful. The painting is a testament to the masterful skill of Leonardo da Vinci, and is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Renaissance art.

6. Annunciation (1475-1480)

Annunciation (1475-1480)
Photo Credit – Flickr

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation (1475-1480) is an oil-on-wood painting that depicts the traditional Christian story of the Archangel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the son of God. It is one of da Vinci’s most famous works, and is a prime example of the Italian Renaissance.

The painting shows the moment of the Angel’s announcement and the Virgin’s surprise and uncertainty. The figures are set against a background of terracotta and green hills, with the image of a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The Virgin is placed in the center, her hands crossed in prayer and her head bowed as if in contemplation. The Archangel Gabriel is shown to the right, with his wings outstretched and a gesture of blessing. Both figures are highly detailed, with da Vinci’s mastery of chiaroscuro and sfumato painting techniques on full display. The painting has an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation, and is one of the most iconic works of the Italian Renaissance.

7. The Baptism of Christ (1475-1478)

The Baptism of Christ (1475-1478)
Photo Credit – Wikimedia Commons

The Baptism of Christ (1475-1478) by Vinci is a painting depicting the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The painting shows Jesus standing in the shallow waters of the river, with the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove above his head. The landscape is rendered in a realistic style with trees, mountains, and buildings in the background. The composition is framed by a dark sky with a sun in the upper left corner. The figures of Jesus, John and the angel are painted with great detail, with the light and shadow creating a dramatic atmosphere.

The painting is notable for its use of sfumato, a technique in which colors are blended together to create a soft, blurred effect. This painting is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and is an example of Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery of both painting and sculpture.

8. Ginevra de’ Benci (1474-1478)

Ginevra de' Benci (1474-1478)
Photo Credit – Flickr

Ginevra de’ Benci was a 15th century Italian noblewoman from Florence. She was a passionate painter and poet and is most famous for being the subject of the earliest known portrait of a female sitter by a female artist, painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting was an oil-on-wood panel and is now held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Ginevra was the daughter of a wealthy Florentine banker and married at a young age to Luigi di Bernardo Niccolini. She is believed to have been a patron of the arts and highly educated for her time, engaging in intellectual and philosophical discussions with some of the greatest minds of her day. Ginevra died in 1478 at the age of 24 and is remembered as one of the earliest female figures in the Renaissance.

9. Adoration of the Magi (1481)

Adoration of the Magi (1481)

Adoration of the Magi (1481) by Leonardo da Vinci is a painting of the nativity scene, depicting the three Magi adoring the newborn Jesus. The painting is composed of warm colors, with a gold and brown foreground, and a soft blue and green background. The figures are placed in a triangular formation, with the Magi on the left, the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus in the center, and Saint Joseph on the right.

The painting is full of symbolism, with the Magi representing the three continents known during the Renaissance, and their kneeling positions representing the three stages of life. The painting is also filled with details, such as the animals in the background, the ruins in the distant landscape, and the various expressions of the people in the painting. The painting is a masterpiece of the Renaissance, and is a testament to the skill and creativity of Leonardo da Vinci.

10. The Virgin and Child with St. Anne (1508)

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne (1508)
Photo Credit – Flickr

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne is a painting by the Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci. It is an oil painting on wood and dates back to the year 1508. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary and her son Jesus, with her mother, St. Anne. Mary and Jesus are seated on a grassy area, and St. Anne stands behind them. The figures are surrounded by a beautiful landscape, with mountains and a river in the background. The painting is renowned for its use of light and shadow, and for its masterful use of perspective. It is a powerful and beautiful painting that is sure to captivate any viewer.

Conclusion of famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci

In conclusion, Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influential and talented artists of the Renaissance. Someof the famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci have left an indelible mark on art history and continue to inspire generations of artists and art lovers alike. His work is treasured for its technical skill, creative expression, and remarkable ingenuity. His legacy will live on for centuries to come.

Similar Posts like: 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci

The 10 Most Famous Abstract Art In The Last 100 Years

List of most advanced ancient civilizations

The 12 Most Famous and Largest Battles in History


9 Comments

14 Well Known Stone Age Cave Paintings - Fameinfo · December 12, 2022 at 12:11 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

The 10 Best Picasso Paintings You Must See Before You Die - Fameinfo · December 13, 2022 at 2:39 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

The 10 Most Famous Works by Michelangelo - Fameinfo · December 15, 2022 at 5:38 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

The 10 Most Famous Sculptures Artists in History - Fameinfo · December 15, 2022 at 7:07 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

Bernini Paintings - 10 Famous artworks by Gian Lorenzo Bernini - Fameinfo · December 17, 2022 at 4:08 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

'Bird in Space' by Constantin Brancusi: A Timeless Masterpiece - Fameinfo · December 19, 2022 at 5:57 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

Renaissance Christian Art: A Timeless Beauty - Fameinfo · December 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm

[…] Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is a Renaissance painting depicting the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with his twelve apostles. […]

20 Simple Paintings With Deep Meaning - Fameinfo · December 21, 2022 at 5:51 pm

[…] Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is considered to be one of the most iconic and mysterious paintings of all time. It is thought to […]

The Top 10 Famous Religious Paintings of All Time - Fameinfo · February 16, 2023 at 7:35 pm

[…] 10 Most Famous Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci […]

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *