Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, "Universal Genius" or "Renaissance Man", was born exactly 564 years ago. Happy Birthday :)
In Madonna of the Carnation, Jesus reaches out for the flower Mary delicately holds with her fingers. Like all infants, he looks unable to control his movements, making his attempt to grasp the symbol of the Passion. Dating from 1478-1480, this painting, also known as the Munich Madonna or the Madonna with the Vase due to the vase of flowers sitting beside her, is considered one of Leonardo's first autonomous works. Many scholars disagree on this point, but there are several elements which support the idea. One of his drawings shows some of the details which appear in the Virgin's face, the hair, the left-hand of the Madonna, as well as the landscape, draperies and the cushion on which the child is seated. These are all typical of Leonardo, as is the use of chiaroscuro (bold contrast between light and dark areas). Unfortunately, Madonna of the Carnation has deteriorated badly and due to an improper restoration, the surface has taken on a leathery look; this is especially obvious on the Madonna's face.