Virgin of the Rocks

"The Virgin of the Rocks" is one of Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated masterpieces, with two versions depicting the Madonna, baby Jesus, the infant John the Baptist, and an angel named Uriel in a rocky landscape. The original version is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, while the second version, which underwent restoration between 2008 and 2010, is located in the National Gallery in London. Both paintings are nearly 2 meters tall and were initially created on wooden panels, though the Louvre's version was later transferred to canvas.

The Louvre's version, believed to have been painted between 1483 and 1486, is thought to be entirely the work of Leonardo and was created to fulfill a commission in Milan. The London version, dated before 1508, was once considered a collaborative effort involving Leonardo's assistants. However, recent restoration work suggests that Leonardo himself executed most of the painting.

In addition to these two principal works, two more paintings of angels playing musical instruments, originally part of the same commission, are also located in the National Gallery.

Commissioned in 1483 by the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Milan, Leonardo and other artists were contracted to create an altarpiece. Disputes over payment led to the Louvre painting being delivered only in 1508. The London version is believed to have been created as a substitute for the Louvre piece.

Both versions depict an adoration scene of Christ by John the Baptist, a theme rooted in medieval tradition rather than Biblical texts. They share a triangular composition set against rocky backgrounds but differ in details such as composition, color, and lighting. The Louvre version features more of Leonardo's signature sfumato technique, with the angel gesturing toward John, while the London version has more defined forms.

Ongoing debates persist regarding the dates, authorship, and symbolism of the two paintings. The Louvre version is generally accepted as the earlier work, created solely by Leonardo, while the London version is viewed as designed by Leonardo but possibly executed with the assistance of his pupils. However, recent cleaning and restoration have indicated that much of the London painting might also be Leonardo's own work.

Numerous copies and derivations of "The Virgin of the Rocks" exist, created by artists such as Bernardino Luini, Marco d'Oggiono, and Joos van Cleve, among others.