8 famous artwork by Leonardo da Vinci

Mona Lisa

Painted sometime between 1503 and 1519 the Mona Lisa is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Leonardo da Vinci paintings in the world. In this painting, Leonardo depicted Lisa Gherardini who was the wife of Francesco Del Giocondo. The Mona Lisa, intriguing viewers for centuries, hangs in the Louvre in Paris, France. Its mysterious smile and delicate details have made it a timeless symbol of art and beauty.

The Last Supper

'The Last Supper' is a painting on the walls of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It shows Jesus and his disciples having their last meal before he was crucified. Created between 1495 and 1498, it is renowned for its detailed portrayal and use of perspective.

The painting shows Jesus revealing that one of his followers will betray him, (you can see Judas located third from the left-hand side) with each disciple reacting differently. Its symbolism has been interpreted in different ways over time. This artwork is a significant moment in Christian history and is often considered one of Leonardo's finest works.

The Vitruvian Man

The Vitruvian Man is a well-known Leonardo da Vinci drawing and is a pen and ink drawing showing a man standing with his arms and legs outstretched inside a circle and square. Leonardo created it based on the ideas of an ancient Roman architect named Vitruvius, illustrating the theory that a perfect human could fit in both a circle and a square, two very different shapes.

The drawing represents the harmony between humans and the universe, showcasing how art and science can intersect. People love it for its beauty and for the insights it offers into our bodies and the world around us.

Lady with an Ermine

The portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, a young woman in the Milanese court, was painted around 1490. She is believed to have been the mistress of Lodovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, during that time. Leonardo da Vinci was working for the Duke when he created the portrait.

The way light and shadow are used, along with all the little details of the ermine, make this painting lovely, capturing the personality of the sitter well.

Virgin of the Rocks

Also known as The Madonna of the Rocks, this masterpiece was created around the late 15th century. It exists in two versions: one housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris and the other in the National Gallery in London.

The painting depicts the Virgin Mary and Jesus, alongside the newborn John the Baptist and an angel, set against a rocky landscape. People admire it for its intricate details, such as the expressions on the faces and the use of light and shadows.

The painting is special because it shows his skill in making art look natural and divine at the same time.

Salvator Mundi

Meaning 'Savior of the World,' this famous Leonardo da Vinci artwork was recently rediscovered, and credited to Leonardo da Vinci. It portrays Christ in Renaissance attire, blessing the viewer with one hand while holding a crystal orb in the other. Leonardo's detailed portrayal matches the description of Christ in John 4:14, highlighting his role as the Savior. With soft auburn hair and a gentle beard, Christ looks directly at the viewer, giving a feeling of divine presence and grace.

Saint John the Baptist

Painted between 1513 and 1516, this portrait of Saint John the Baptist is believed to be Leonardo da Vinci's final painting. Now on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, Saint John the Baptist is an important person in Christianity, and other artists have often used him as a subject in their art. They liked to show him because he was a messenger for Jesus Christ.

Annunciation

This early work by Leonardo depicts the biblical scene of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive the Son of God. The painting is famous for its beautiful details and the way Leonardo captures the emotion of the scene.