Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Painting Obsessions What Was Da Vinci Inspired By

  • Written by News Company


Most art connoisseurs deem Leonardo Da Vinci as a pioneer in the Renaissance art movement. He is the artist who painted the magnificent Mona Lisa, an artwork that ranks among the most renowned paintings of all time.

Like most artists, Leonardo Da Vinci found inspiration in several daily observations and events and immortalized them on canvas. However, what differentiated da Vinci from his contemporaries was his search for inspiration in the extraordinary and unconventional sources that were often overlooked by others.

We will be looking at some of Da Vinci’s greatest sources of inspiration that were seen prominently in his famous works. Read ahead if you are curious to know what inspired a great mind like that of Da Vinci! Maybe, you can find some inspiration for your next big piece of art!

Visual Illusions




Recognized as a polymath by many historians, Leonardo Da Vinci delved into extensive studies that ranged beyond art. One among them was physiognomy, through which he introduced the concept of ‘moti mentali’.

The idea of ‘moti mentali’ deals with the representation of transient mental states, thoughts, and emotions. This inspired Da Vinci to inculcate elements of ambiguity in his artwork. Thus, the expressions of the subject in most of his portraits remain a topic for discussion, due to their dynamic nature.

Perhaps the best example to depict the influence of visual illusion in Da Vinci is his most recognized work, Mona Lisa. Several researchers and art experts have theorized different arguments about Mona Lisa’s smile and its dynamicity. The entire basis of this critical analysis is the inculcation of ‘moti mentali’ in the splendid piece of art.

Water as a Vehicle of Nature

Owing to its fluidity, Leonardo Da Vinci perceived water as the vehicle of nature. However, his interest in the water went beyond its artistic and metaphorical implications. He wished to understand the concepts of fluid dynamics which was the primary cause behind the intriguing nature of water.

As a result, one of his earliest paintings was that of a river cascading over a river. Since then, several of his artworks including the Mona Lisa featured water. He was so intrigued by the water that he went on to conduct several experiments in the field of water engineering.

This marked the beginning of Da Vinci’s journey as one of the most notable water engineers of his time. Some scholars argue that da Vinci was the first hydrologist who formulated several hypotheses about water based on empirical evidence.

Engineering Science

Leonardo Da Vinci was a polymath in the true essence of the word. While most people know him as a legendary painter, he contributed immensely to the development of engineering science, architecture, and craftsmanship in his time.

Apart from creating some of the most magnificent masterpieces, Da Vinci used to sketch prototypes of several engineering marvels such as gliders, helicopters, and parachutes. This proved that he was indeed way ahead of his time, both creatively and intellectually.

However, most of his prototypes never saw the light of day in terms of their execution. Many critics of that time failed to recognize the utility of those engineering marvels in the future and deemed them to be unfit for use.

The Golden Ratio in Mathematics





Recognized first by Luca Pacioli in 1509, the Golden Ratio is a rule in mathematics that presents an aesthetic arrangement of the subjects in the frame. Da Vinci inculcated this principle in his artworks as he tried to establish a sense of proportionality through them.

Additionally, Da Vinci used the principles of linear perspective to add definition to his paintings. These included framing his subjects along parallel or horizontal lines to create a sense of depth in his work.

Da Vinci emphasizes the principle of the Golden Ratio and mathematical perspective in The Last Supper, which is one of his most popular pieces of art. In this painting, he creates a ‘vanishing point’ through the placement of the twelve apostles and the lines on the floor.

Human Anatomy




Leonardo Da Vinci developed an avid interest in human anatomy at a very young age. This was during his apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio, a renowned artist in the Renaissance period. Thereafter, Da Vinci started drawing remarkably accurate representations of the human body.

To hone his skills better, Da Vinci further studied human anatomy and physiology. Additionally, he recreated several parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, and skeletal system with the help of wax moulds.

This knowledge aided him to draw one of his legendary works, Vitruvian Man. The splendid piece of art is appreciated by all members of the artistic community for representing the model of the human body in perfect proportion.

The Bottom Line

Seeking a source of inspiration is one of the preliminary steps behind creating a magnificent piece of art. This phenomenon remains constant despite the changing waves of times, through the traditional towards the contemporary.

However, seldom do we come across artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, who seek inspiration across myriad places. If you are seeking for some artistic inspiration, you can browse through the works of Da Vinci available on the 1st Art Gallery. Furthermore, you can purchase authentic reproductions of some of his favorite works and add them to your collectibles.

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australiaâ...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...