Isabella Flores
Leonardo da Vinci's self-portraits are a fascinating aspect of his oeuvre, with only a few finished works attributed to him at his death in 1519. The most well-known self-portrait, 'Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk', is estimated to have been created around 1510, when da Vinci was around 60 years old, although some sources suggest it was drawn closer to 1517, when he was 65. The red chalk drawing depicts an old man with long wavy hair and a beard, and while it is considered by some to be the only authentic self-portrait by da Vinci, others argue that the figure appears older than the age he reached, dying at 67.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of creation | c. 1517-1518, possibly earlier in c. 1510 |
| Medium | Red chalk drawing on high-quality paper |
| Current location | Turin, Italy |
| Number of self-portraits | Only one authentic self-portrait, but other possible self-portraits exist |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The only known self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington
- The red chalk drawing of an old man with long hair is a self-portrait
- A self-portrait from Leonardo's Codex on the Flight of Birds depicts him at 53
- A 1471 painting of Gabriel is a self-portrait
- A 1505 engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi may be a self-portrait
The only known self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington
The only known self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci is believed to be housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Painted between 1475 and 1480, the self-portrait was previously attributed to the Italian painter Cariani due to the similar background that Cariani used in his portraits. However, it is now believed that the painting is indeed a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, dressed in the style of the time. The background includes a draped cloth, reflecting Leonardo's interest in the study of drapery during the 1470s.
This self-portrait is one of the few surviving works of Leonardo da Vinci, who left mostly notebooks filled with jottings and sketches at his death in 1519. Some of his works were later lost, destroyed, or overpainted, while others were completed by assistants.
The self-portrait in Washington is a painting, while another possible self-portrait, known as "Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk", is a drawing. The red chalk drawing is often reproduced and is how most people envision Leonardo's appearance. However, some scholars argue that the figure appears older than Leonardo ever was, and it may instead be one of his "grotesque drawings" of people with eccentric features.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. also houses another work by Leonardo da Vinci, the "Ginevra de' Benci", which was acquired in 1967. This painting is one of the highlights of the museum and is admired for its portrayal of Ginevra's temperament. It is the only painting by Leonardo on public view in the Americas.
Roller Sizes for Painting Fences: Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The red chalk drawing of an old man with long hair is a self-portrait
The red chalk drawing of an old man with long hair is widely believed to be a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci. It is one of the few finished works by the Italian Renaissance painter that remain today, with many of his other pieces having been lost, destroyed, or completed by assistants. The portrait is a small artwork, sized at 33.3 cm × 21.6 cm (13.1 in × 8.5 in), which is typical of da Vinci's portrait drawings. The early provenance of this drawing is unknown, and we only have information about its existence from around 1839 onwards. In that year, the drawing was acquired by a collector by the name of Giovanni Volpato, who then sold it to Prince Charles Albert of Sardinia, who had a particular interest in Renaissance drawings.
The assumption that the drawing is a self-portrait was made in the 19th century, based on the sitter's resemblance to the possible portrait of Leonardo as Plato in Raphael's The School of Athens, as well as the high quality of the drawing, which is consistent with other works by Leonardo. The attribution was also supported by the likeness to the frontispiece portrait of Leonardo in Vasari's second edition of 'The Lives of the Artists' (1568). During World War II, the presumed self-portrait was temporarily moved from Turin to Rome to prevent it from being taken by the Nazis, and it suffered some damage in the process.
Despite the widely held belief that the red chalk drawing is a self-portrait, some have questioned this attribution due to the age of the man depicted. Leonardo died at the age of 67, and the man in the portrait appears much older. It has been suggested that the sitter may be Leonardo's father, Piero da Vinci, or his uncle Francesco, as they both lived until the age of 80. However, the red chalk drawing has largely influenced how people imagine Leonardo's appearance, and it remains the only known self-portrait by the artist.
The Golden Age of Flemish Painting
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A self-portrait from Leonardo's Codex on the Flight of Birds depicts him at 53
Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have created a self-portrait, titled "Self Portrait on the Flight of Birds Codex", which dates back to circa 1485. This work, attributed to the celebrated Italian artist, is an early Renaissance piece, characterised by its realistic depiction and humanism. The portrait offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's self-perception, showcasing a male figure, presumably Leonardo himself, with an intense gaze and soft yet defined features. Overlaying the portrait are faint outlines suggestive of birds in flight, reflecting Leonardo's fascination with nature and his ideas about human-powered flight.
The self-portrait is said to have been executed during a period when Leonardo was residing at the court of Ludovico Sforza in Milan, between 1482 and 1489. This places the artist at around 53 years of age, as he was born in 1452. The discovery of this self-portrait is particularly notable because Leonardo left few finished works at his death in 1519, and some of those were later lost or destroyed.
The "Self Portrait on the Flight of Birds Codex" is not the only instance of Leonardo capturing his own likeness. There exists a red chalk drawing, often referred to as "Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk", which is widely accepted as a self-portrait. This drawing, with its depiction of an old man with long wavy hair and a beard, has come to define the popular image of Leonardo. However, some scholars dispute this notion, arguing that the figure appears older than Leonardo ever was—he died at 67—and suggesting that it might be one of his grotesque sketches of people with eccentric features.
Beyond these potential self-portraits, there are numerous other portraits of Leonardo created by his contemporaries, including his master Andrea del Verrocchio, colleagues like Botticelli, and friends or students. These portraits offer additional glimpses into what Leonardo may have looked like during his lifetime.
Best Paint for Glass: Choosing the Right Type
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A 1471 painting of Gabriel is a self-portrait
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance, and his works continue to captivate audiences centuries later. Among his surviving artworks, there is a particular focus on a possible self-portrait that dates back to his early life.
In 2018, Italian art experts Ernesto Solari and Ivana Rosa Bonfantino unveiled what they believed to be Leonardo da Vinci's earliest work, dated 1471. This artwork is a painting on a square tile, depicting the Archangel Gabriel. The tile is signed "Da Vinci Lionardo" and includes secret inscriptions, such as a sequence of numbers and Leonardo's signature written backwards. Using infrared analysis, experts also found the artist's initials, LDV, on the border. The coded message translates to: "I, Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452, represented myself as the Archangel Gabriel in 1471."
The tile painting measures 20 x 20 cm and is made of glazed earthenware, a type of pottery known as "majolica," which was popular in 15th-century Italy. The image on the tile is that of a young man with thick curls, a golden aura, and peacock-like feathered wings. This artwork is considered a possible self-portrait because it may depict the 18-year-old Leonardo as the Archangel Gabriel, and if authentic, it would be an extraordinary survival from the artist's youth.
However, it is important to note that the attribution of this tile painting to Leonardo has been disputed. Leading da Vinci expert Martin Kemp dismissed the claim, finding the depiction of hair unconvincing. Additionally, some have questioned the authenticity of the signature and inscriptions, as well as the overall artistic style of the tile.
While the debate continues among scholars, the discovery highlights the enduring fascination with Leonardo da Vinci and the potential impact on our understanding of his early life and artistic development if such a significant piece from his youth were to be confirmed.
Exploring Joan of Arc's Artistic Legacy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A 1505 engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi may be a self-portrait
Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have painted a self-portrait between 1475 and 1480, which can be found in the National Gallery of Art in Washington. This painting was previously attributed to Cariani, who likely drew inspiration from Leonardo's work. Another self-portrait of Leonardo, created by his master Andrea del Verrocchio, is also known to exist.
In addition to these paintings, a red chalk drawing of an old man with long wavy hair and a beard is often regarded as a self-portrait of Leonardo. This drawing, known as "Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk", is the only self-portrait that Leonardo is believed to have left behind. However, some scholars argue that the figure in the drawing appears older than Leonardo ever was, suggesting that it may be one of his grotesque sketches of people with eccentric features.
While Leonardo da Vinci left few finished works at his death in 1519, his influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting the art of his successors.
Now, let's discuss the potential connection between a 1505 engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi and Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait. Marcantonio Raimondi was an Italian engraver and printmaker who lived from approximately 1470/1480/1482 to around 1534. He is known for his reproductions of other artists' works, particularly those of Raphael, Michelangelo, and their followers.
In 1505, Marcantonio created his first dated engraving, "Pyramus and Thisbe", and between 1505 and 1511, he engraved about 80 pieces with a diverse range of subjects. While there is no conclusive evidence, it is possible that one of these pieces was a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci. This speculation may arise from the similarity in the time period of Leonardo's self-portrait and Marcantonio's early engravings, as well as the focus on reproducing other artists' works in Marcantonio's practice.
Furthermore, Marcantonio's collaboration with Raphael and his followers, which began around 1510, could have provided him with access to artistic circles that may have included Leonardo da Vinci. This proximity to Leonardo's work and the artistic community could have influenced Marcantonio's creations during this period.
Primer vs Paint: Rust-Oleum's Dynamic Duo
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, drawn on a sheet of high-quality paper with a distinct texture.
Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait was probably created around 1517 when he was 65 years old. However, some sources suggest that the drawing was made between 1510 and 1518.
The self-portrait is housed in Turin, Italy.
Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait is a red chalk drawing.
There are no other confirmed self-portraits of Leonardo da Vinci. However, there are portraits of him by his contemporaries, and some paintings are speculated to be self-portraits.
