Scientific Observations and Pictorial Studies in Leonardos Painting Annunciation

Abstract

This paper examines Leonardo da Vincis innovative approach to landscape depiction and use of perspective in his painting, Annunciation. The painting was Leonardos first commissioned work, while he was trained in Verrocchios workshop as an apprentice. Leonardos 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 artists exceptional focus on presenting scientifically accurate results on the painting. Leonardos 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 natures beauty with art.