The Legend & the Myth
Key Information:
The Legend: Leonardo Da Vinci
The Myth: Iris, The God of rainbows (Heaven and Earth)/ The messenger of the Gods
WHO WAS LEONARDO DA VINCI?
Da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, military engineer and draftsman, he was said to be the epitome of a “Renaissance man". However upon having these skills he never received formal education. Da Vinci’s drawings would become an essential part of his legacy, where he sketched prolifically, planning inventions, exploring human anatomy, drawing landscapes, and blocking out plans for paintings such as The Virgin of the Rocks and his sole surviving mural, The Last Supper. Additionally Da Vinci was a reserved and withdrawn man, not concerned with glory and valued his abilities
Da Vinci was described as a man with great personal appeal, kindness and generosity.
DA VINCI'S PRIVATE LIFE:
Da Vinci was an illegitimate child born out of wedlock he also allegedly had a male partner. However, Da Vinci was quite secretive with his personal life as during the time it was very Taboo to be a homosexual. It is said that the Mona Lisa was actually not a painting of a woman but a male (possibly his partner) dressed in womens clothing.
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DA VINCI - THE ARTIST:
Da Vinci was a perfectionist; meaning most of his works such as the Mona Lisa were never complete in his eyes. He was ambidextrous; he was also the first person to really understand 3D within art as he designed painting techniques such as ‘Chiaroscuro’, which was playing with the contrast between light and darkness to create dimensions within paintings to show depth. Another technique he discovered was 'Sfumato', done as a subtle gradation rather than harsh strict boarders, infused paintings with softer, Smokey alura. Furthermore, he developed a system of writing backwards to note down important findings, hide secret messages, which could only be deciphered through a mirror
DA VINCI - THE ENGINEER AND ARCHITECT:
Da Vinci was also an engineer and architect, he often designed war machines such as tanks made out of iron and steel. His innovative side lead him to explored the ideas of flying machines almost as a prophesy of the possible future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Da Vinci explored a wide range interest in engineering and architecture, this is embodied in his studies of: geometry, maths, mechanics, physics and anatomy. His curious infatuation for anatomy lead to the dissecting bodies, plants and animals, this highlights his need to understand everything down to its most intricate form.. It was also said that he would at times dig up corpses and even pay for them to dissect.
KEY ARTWORKS:
Last Supper
Mona Lisa
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THE MYTH: IRIS
Iris was known as the Goddess of Rainbows, this was because she was the link between Heaven and Earth. Iris stands for both rainbow (Eiris) and also known as the messenger of the Gods in Greek Mythology, this was because she was described as the handmaid to Hera as she was often depicted standing beside Hera or Zues sometimes serving them from her jug. It is important to note that Iris does not actually have a distinct mythology of her own.
ARE DA VINCI AND IRIS ONE IN THE SAME?:
Joining Heaven and Earth or Identifying the link between the natural and man made?:
Da Vinci, had a keen interest for anatomy/dissection but was also an engineer working with steel and iron. Da Vinci can be seen as the link for understanding between the natural and man made for modern generations.
Messenger of the Gods or Messenger of Knowledge?:
Da Vinci’s creativity and knowledge can be seen in many of his works from his varying crafts. His research within the various fields makes him a messenger of knowledge to generations after him. Many of Da Vinci's works such as his research into flying machines pathed the way for ideas such as the aeroplane for other innovators.
Bibliography:
Kington, T. 2011, ‘Mona Lisa backdrop depicts Italian town of Bobbio, claims art historian’, The Guardian, 10 January, viewed 4 November 2018, <https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/jan/09/mona-lisa-bobbio-da-vinci>.
Macdonald, C. 2016, ‘The REAL hidden message in Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper’, Daily Mail, 29 July, viewed 4 November 2018, <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3713591/The-REAL-hidden-message-Leonardo-Da-Vinci-s-Supper-Expert-claims-artist-left-halos-Jesus-common-mortal.html>.
Quartermain, C. 2015, ‘The Goddess Iris in Greek Mythology’, HubPages, 13 January, viewed 4 November 2018, <https://hubpages.com/education/The-Goddess-Iris-in-Greek-Mythology>.
Unknown 2011, Leonardo da Vinci, his Life and Artworks, viewed 4 November 2018, <https://www.leonardodavinci.net/>.
