Oxford College of art, UK

Behind the scenes: Leonardo’s Virgin of the Rocks

Issuing time:2022-10-27 20:16

In 2004, infrared imaging at the National Gallery revealed that a different composition was hidden beneath the final design of Leonardo's masterpiece, 'The Virgin of the Rocks'.

About fifteen years later, new investigations have discovered more of the first underdrawing and shed some new light on the artist’s initial ideas.

Under Marta’s expert guidance, we will explore the latest findings and understand how advanced spectroscopic imaging techniques have highlighted Leonardo’s use of different drawing materials to develop the composition.

After the talk, Marta and Carlo will be able to answer any questions you may have in a live Q&A.

Image: Detail from Leonardo da Vinci, 'The Virgin of the Rocks', about 1491/2-9 and 1506-8

Speaker

Dr Carlo Corsato
Dr Carlo Corsato is a Gallery Educator. Experienced in adult education, he teaches at Morley College and has lectured at the Courtauld Institute and University of St Andrews. He is passionate about history, digital technologies and audience engagement. His publications include ‘Lives of Titian’ and ‘Lives of Tintoretto’.
Marta Melchiorre
Dr Marta Melchiorre is one of the Gallery's Scientists who studies the collection to support conservation activities and to search the history of materials and painting techniques, as well as the deterioration of pigments and how this may affect the current appearance of paintings. She is an expert in the use of advanced non-invasive spectroscopic imaging techniques to investigate artworks.


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