In Middle Ages, artists always draw the subject from religions on paintings, so does Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo had created a lot Madonna artworks, among them the most famous paintings are The Virgin of the Rocks.
The Virgin of the Rocks is the name of two similar paintings. They are of the same subject and the same size which is nearly two meters high. Both paintings show the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, the infant John the Baptist and an angel in the background of rocks. The two paintings differ from each other in minor ways, such as the colors, the lighting, the flora, and the way in which the sfumato has been used.
The considered earlier Virgin of the Rocks dated from 1483 to 1486 is believed to completed by Leonardo entirely. The painting was first known to all in 1625, owned by the French royal family.It was painted on wooden panel in the first place, and then transferred into canvas when displayed in Louvre.
The other Virgin of the Rocks which was finished in 1508 belongs to the National Gallery of London. It was painted for the chapel of the Confratemity of the Immaculate Conception and then sold by the church in 1781. English collector Gavin Hamilton bought the painting in 1785. After years of passing from one collector to another, the painting was finally bought by the National Gallery of London in 1880.
Why Leonardo painted the two similar paintings? Although may theories exist, there is no a conclusion.
How to paint flowers in the oil paintings?
Both the plants in the pot and flowers inserted in the vase are the still lives theme that artists love. They can be alone made into the painting, or can also be used as a part of a group of still lives, such as adding some fruit, a bowl or a glass bottle pattern.
About drawing paper, canvas and painting board
There are many materials that can be used for painting. Drawing paper, canvas and painting board are commonly used. But the beginners should note that no matter which material you choose, please remember to process the painting bottom into no oil absorption or less.
Russian painter Serov's painting style
Serov was an outstanding Russian portrait painter in the alternate period of the nineteenth century and twentieth Century. And he was an important representative of Russian realism painting at the beginning of this century.
