Leonardo da Vinci’s Creative Struggles: The Underdrawings of “The Virgin of the Rocks”
Unveiling Leonardo’s Hidden Sketches
Beneath the surface of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, “The Virgin of the Rocks,” lie hidden sketches that reveal the artist’s creative process. Advanced imaging techniques, such as infrared technology, macro X-ray fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging, have uncovered two underdrawings that provide insights into Leonardo’s compositional struggles.
The First Underdrawing
The first underdrawing depicts a significantly different arrangement of the figures. The infant Christ and angel are positioned much higher in the frame, with the angel embracing Christ in a “tighter embrace.” This composition suggests that Leonardo initially envisioned a more intimate and dynamic relationship between the two figures.
The Second Underdrawing
The second underdrawing more closely resembles the finished painting, but there are still some notable differences. Christ’s head position has been changed, and some curls have been clipped from the angel’s hair. These changes indicate that Leonardo continued to refine and perfect the composition as he worked on the painting.
Handprints and Clues
The underdrawings also reveal handprints in the primer used to coat the wood panel. These handprints likely belong to one of Leonardo’s assistants, suggesting that he sought help in preparing the canvas.
The Mystery of Two Versions
The National Gallery’s painting is one of two versions of “The Virgin of the Rocks” created by Leonardo over a quarter century. The first version, believed to have been begun in 1483, hangs in the Louvre in Paris. Scholars speculate that the first version was rejected by the commissioning body due to its lack of traditional iconography, making it difficult to identify the figures.
Leonardo may have then sold this version to the Duke of Milan and created the second painting to fulfill his commission. The second version, now in the National Gallery, exhibits brighter colors, larger figures, and the addition of halos and John the Baptist’s reed staff.
Leonardo’s Mastery
Initially, it was believed that the second version was largely painted by Leonardo’s assistants. However, after an extensive cleaning and restoration in 2010, art historians concluded that the vast majority of the work was painted by Leonardo himself. This discovery highlights Leonardo’s mastery and his meticulous attention to detail.
Exploring Leonardo’s Techniques
The underdrawings and the differences between the two versions of “The Virgin of the Rocks” provide valuable insights into Leonardo’s creative process. They reveal his experimentation with composition, his attention to detail, and his mastery of light and shadow.
Leonardo’s Legacy
“The Virgin of the Rocks” stands as a testament to Leonardo da Vinci’s genius. The underdrawings and the multiple versions of the painting offer a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest artists of all time. They remind us of the creative struggles, experimentation, and perseverance that lie behind every masterpiece.