The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci

Magnificent and utterly spectacular.

This painting was originally meant to be a magnificent altarpiece in the chapel of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary in the church of San Francesco Grande. Despite being commissioned in 1483; it wasn’t completed until 1508, and over a dispute over payment (imagine not paying da Vinci!!) which caused Leonardo to sell the first version. Hence, there are 2 version in existence.

What is interesting is that Madonna and the family are seated in a mountainous cave — not the usual Renaissance background overlooking some charming & bucolic fields. Though there are a few blooming flowers adorning the family, the background scenes at the back seem to resemble La Gioconda’s.  

The Madonna is robbed in a luxurious sapphire blue (typical). She seems to be looking after the young ones. Her maternal arms spread. The golden flowing band around her waist deeply contrasts with the blue. She has wonderfully curly hair, and is halo-ed. Her face – looking down – captures a demure & devotional lady. She delicately puts one hand around St John the Baptist (older of the two boys). He, in turn, is kneeling and praying in homage to the Christ. St John is painted with such sweetness and affection. He has all the cuteness of babies in their infancy. Plump cheeks, thin locks of sweet golden hair, and that super-cute “baby fat” in the form of baby rolls. His little hands and tiny fingers barely able to come together.

The Christ is propped-up by an angel (with faint wings on her back). Baby Christ may be blessing St John — but he doesn’t seem nearly as cute as St John. Somehow, the Christ baby seems more serious. More grown-up?

The angel is so pleasing to the eye. Even more than The Madonna. The natural elegant tilt of her head, the way her hair flows stunningly over her shoulders, her “ennobled” demeanor, the proportions which complement the symmetry of the other characters. She seems so graceful.

There is a special aura to this painting. People can sit in front of it and just take it in.