Portret van Leonardo da Vinci 1823 - 1882

This is Friedrich Weber’s portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, made using etching. Weber lived in an era captivated by the Renaissance. As we look at this image, consider the dynamics of historical representation. Weber, a 19th-century artist, interprets da Vinci, who represents the epitome of Renaissance genius. The image invites us to reflect on how artists construct narratives about the past. Notice da Vinci's serene expression, framed by his beard and cap. Weber’s interpretation gives us a glimpse into how the 19th century saw the Renaissance: a period of intellectual and artistic achievement. The etching becomes a vessel through which different eras communicate, each influencing how the other is perceived and understood. What do you feel when you look at this etching? How does it relate to what you know about Da Vinci, and the Renaissance?