Leonardo was then deeply immersed in his scientific study of how light varies according to the angle at which it strikes a curved surface, and his notebooks are filled with carefully measured and annotated diagrams. No painter captured so perfectly how shadows and highlights on a face can make it appear three dimensional and perfectly modeled . . . .
In this portrait, Leonardo also continued to experiment with his haunting method of creating a stare or gaze that seems to follow a viewer around a room. This ‘Mono Lisa effect’ is not magical; it simply comes from drawing a realistic set of eyes staring directly at the viewer with proper perspective, shading, and modeling. But Leonardo discovered that the effect works best when the gaze is intense and the eyes slightly off-kilter, thus making it more noticeable. He was refining the technique he had used in ‘Ginevera de’ Benci.’ stare seems slightly averted and distant, until you look at each eye individually and directly; then you see that each of its own way is looking at you. ~ Page 247
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6 comments
Dinesh said:
In this portrait, Leonardo also continued to experiment with his haunting method of creating a stare or gaze that seems to follow a viewer around a room. This ‘Mono Lisa effect’ is not magical; it simply comes from drawing a realistic set of eyes staring directly at the viewer with proper perspective, shading, and modeling. But Leonardo discovered that the effect works best when the gaze is intense and the eyes slightly off-kilter, thus making it more noticeable. He was refining the technique he had used in ‘Ginevera de’ Benci.’ stare seems slightly averted and distant, until you look at each eye individually and directly; then you see that each of its own way is looking at you. ~ Page 247
Dinesh said:
sea-herdorf said:
Schöne Grüße und einen guten Abend
Erich
Ecobird said:
Have a lovely evening
J. Gafarot said:
Roger (Grisly) said: