LEONARDO DA VINCI
NARRATIVE
Leonardo Da Vinci most famous drawing/illustration is the “Vitruvian man” text and image is used to enhance the theories and ideas of the Vitruvius (Roman architect form the first century and the author of ‘DE Architectura Libri X’. Some say that the face portrayed is a self portrait of Leonardo da Vinci. The ideas of the Vitruvius Man illustration created the basis of the Renaissance proportion theories in the genres of art and architecture.
PERSONAL INFLUENCE
In Da Vinci’s treatise (which is written work that deals with the formal and systematically within a subject) the “Vitruvian man” potrays geometric shapes (circle and square), in which the proportions and dimensions are elated together. Architects strongly supposed that the measurements and proportions of the human body were accurate and precise and that the picture was createdso it looks elegant. Leonardo believed that a precise constructed temple should reflect and connect to the parts of the human body. Da Vinci stated that the human body can be symmetrically marked/ carved inside within a circle or a square. This idea/knowledge influenced Da Vinci’s architectural practice and work.
LINE/STYLE
The illustration is made in pen ink that contains a male model that is outstretched limbs that touches the circumference of the circle which the man fit perefctly inside both the square and circle, he also fits inside the square’s circumference. The male figure changes perspective in the drawing. The image is flat and static within the structure criteria but dynamic is considered inside the presentation of the two male figures (shows movement of the living man) there is handwritten script surround the image of the male.
TECHNIQUE/SCALE
Many artist/architectures have tried to illustrate the Vitruvian theory, but da Vinci’s drawing is unique in that the male figure applies two different positions within the same illustration. Da Vinci’s figure simultaneously is inside the square and circle, the active arms and legs suggest that there is movement (alive). Alive because da Vinci’s face and untamed hair is portrayed within the model’s facial features and strong limbs. The subject is very active; the pen lines are very fine and light, but yet affective by showing the significant points that imply the proportion arrangement. All these lines show da Vinci’s apprehensions and depth (knowledge) for architectural meaning of the work. Leonardo uses the human body as a “metaphor” to describe it as the human body is a building and the drawing of the Renaissance theory which makes the connection of the human body with architectural planning.
The text that is above and below the model in the Vitruvian man summaries the Vitruvian theory. Studies show that da Vinci wrote the text after her drew the illustration; this is because the works are made to create delineation towards the circle and square. The appearance of the text supports the purpose of the illustration; the rights of the Vitruvian explain why da Vinci created the drawing. Thoughts of others show that the text is the main focus of the illustration; but the words and illustration connect together creating a significant bond.
MEANING
Vitruvian Man is da Vinci’s personal reflection on a human body, proportions and also architecture, this is shown through the use of illustration and words. The meaning of the illustration is to combine together ideas/ focuses about art, architecture, human anatomy and symmetry- all in one image and portraying complex elements. By joining text and illustration, da Vinci induces a message/meaning which couldn’t be created by words/illustration/images alone.
The Vitruvian Man’s importance is contained in its clear reflection of the ideas in that era (made in 1490). It portrays the important theories of Vitruvian amongst da Vinci and his generations. Da Vinci believed that “the workings of the human body to be analogy for the workings of the universe.”
Da Vinci