Zelfportret van Leonard de Vinci 1840 - 1843

Franciscus Bernardus Waanders created this print of Leonardo da Vinci, in the Netherlands. It captures an idealized version of the Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci, presenting him as a figure of wisdom and artistic genius. In 19th century Europe, there was a real obsession with the Renaissance, and with the idea of individual genius. Institutions like museums and art academies played a vital role in promoting these concepts, shaping artistic training and public taste. Waanders was commenting on the contemporary social structures of his own time. It elevates artists to almost god-like status, which was a progressive idea in the 19th century. To fully understand this image, we can delve into historical archives, study the artist's biography, and explore the writings of art critics of the time. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.