How Did Leonardo Da Vinci Contribute To Art

Art: The work of Leonardo da Vinci on perspective, light, shadows, and color in painting When Leonardo da Vinci was born, he was apprenticed to a sculptor and painter named Verrocchio. As he learned, he learned to surpass his own master and become a master of all that he had learned. Leonardo was nothing short of a genius. Leonardo was a mathematician, botanist, architect, civil and military engineer, town planner, hydrologist, and cartographer. He drew upon art in discovering science and used science to explain art. He was always inventing and even predicted many inventions that were meant for our time. Leonardo perhaps might have asked how he could bring out the most beautiful painting, such as the Mona Lisa, or how something might better work to a simpler and better advantage …show more content…
In the Art, Science and Life’s Enigmas, Polyxeni Potter wrote “A half-length figure, turned almost directly toward the viewer, beauty emanating from inner virtue. Then, he positioned the figure up front to increase drama and intensity. Breaking with tradition, he painted a landscaped background, spatial depth. Instead of outlining the portrait, he merged it with surroundings. Perfecting sfumato, a technique described in antiquity by Pliny, he created an imperceptible transition between light and dark and sometimes between colors, “smoking” harsh edges with brushstrokes invisible to the naked eye. Cognizant of the way light fell on curved surfaces, he used layers of transparent color to capture it on gauzy veil or skin. The result was ethereal, magical, a glow that transformed portraiture for the ages, demanding not just likeness but the embodiment of spirit.” This quote was talking about his work on the Mona Lisa portrait which has been shown around the world and replicated by many other artists that have admired his work. The significance is that his work has inspired many to follow in his footsteps as