Scientific Observations and Pictorial Studies in Leonardo’s Painting Annunciation
Abstract
This paper examines Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative approach to landscape depiction and use of perspective in his painting, Annunciation. The painting was Leonardo’s first commissioned work, while he was trained in Verrocchio’s workshop as an apprentice. Leonardo’s careful planning of composition and enthusiastic focus on landscape depicting demonstrate his keen interest in scientific exploration. There are three areas in which the paper aims to cover, including the perspective, composition and additional botanical studies, which would demonstrate the artist’s exceptional focus on presenting scientifically accurate results on the painting. Leonardo’s precise studies of perspectives and proportional control can be seen through a series of drawing techniques that he summarised with experiences, including the use of the pyramidal triangle to control the ratios and sizes of the objects. The lateral point also acts as a vertical halving line, where the painting is separated evenly and balanced with symmetrical patterns. As a painter who also mastered mathematics and engineering, Leonardo was capable of applying geometrical shapes in their best positions, where the detailed botanical studies simultaneously achieve the goal of expressing nature’s beauty with art.
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