Leonardo da Vinci's Best Painting (Is Not The Mona Lisa)

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SOURCES
NETHERSOLE, SCOTT. “Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘St Anne’: Paris.” The Burlington Magazine, vol. 154, no. 1312, Burlington Magazine Publications Ltd., 2012, pp. 512-14, www.jstor.org/s....
de Viguerie, L., Walter, P., Laval, E., Mottin, B. and Solé, V. (2010), Revealing the sfumato Technique of Leonardo da Vinci by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 49: 6125-6128. doi.org/10.100...
Francesca Fiorani, "The Colors In Leonardo's Shadows"
www.academia.e...
Wasserman, Jack. “Michelangelo’s Virgin and Child with St Anne at Oxford.” The Burlington Magazine, vol. 111, no. 792, The Burlington Magazine Publications Ltd., 1969, pp. 122-34, www.jstor.org/s....
The Saint Anne, Leonardo da Vinci's ultimate masterpiece, on view at the Louvre
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Virgin and Child with St. Anne
en.wikipedia.o...)
Leonardo da Vinci
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List of his paintings, and how sure experts are that they're his
en.wikipedia.o...
MUSIC
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Johannes Bornlof, "Flight"
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Johannes Bornlof, "When In Doubt"
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Peter Sandberg, "Lens Flare 3"
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The Nerdwriter is a series of video essays about art, culture, politics, philosophy and more.

[@Nerdwriter1]

Hi all! It’s AMAZING to see your enthusiasm for the book. After working on something in private for a year and half, it’s a wild emotional experience to finally tell the world about it. Thank you so much to everyone who has pre-ordered! On the question of where it will be available: I just got word from my publisher that they’ll export the hardcover to “open market” territories around the world - basically anywhere English-language books are sold, except the nations in the British Commonwealth. Check your local Amazon site. It should be available for pre-order now. And, yes, for those asking, there will be an audio book, and it’ll be read by me! It’s available from Audible and others for pre-order, and will come out the same day as the book. All the links are Simon & Schuster’s page for Escape Into Meaning: bit.ly/2ZPqcq4

[@squalooceano2291]

Evan have you ever thought about making a video about certain video games? I love all of your content and I think if you got into the medium a bit more, there’s some amazing stories told in video games such as The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2, The Life is Strange franchise, A Plague Tale, Journey, Horizon Zero Dawn, Red Dead Redemption (Especially the second one), and so many more. I love art, I love films, I love everything you make content on, but video games are the best form of media in my opinion.

[@username27328]

Looking forward to reading it Evan. I've been watching your vids since the algorithm recommended me your Louis CK video in 2015. You're awesome.

[@drewgivens6557]

I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite KZbinr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.

[@smittoria]

Thank you and congratulations! Your essays have always had the ability to interested me even if I have no knowledge or interest in the subject so I'm excited to see how that translates to writing!

[@الحضارةالانسانية-ز6ي]

مجهود تشكر عليه.. لكن لو يترجم لعربية لكانت الفائده اعظم.. تحياتي لك

[@__mads__]

Along with other duties running a design department at a small art college in Japan, I taught art history for a few years in the early 00’s, and I regret that I didn’t inject it with even a fraction of this passion and enthusiasm.

[@thisisnotok2100]

Are you talking about Evan's, or Da Vinci's?

[@vishalchidambaram1064]

@@thisisnotok2100 Evan's passion towards da vinci's art

[@Kobiwan_]

But you still taught, everyone should at some point in their life. Im willing to bet you inspired even one person and that's worth it. Maybe It's also not for everybody but it's meant to help you learn too.

[@daviddemar8749]

Mads-Ok well that was then and this is now. Even if you are not formally teaching anymore you can inject that type of passion into your conversations about art whenever you visit a museum and or talk about art with your friends and family. your " classroom" can be a dinner table , a livingroom, a walk in the park

[@SeekersofUnity]

What a spectacular piece of art. The painting is also impressive.

[@mihai08]

this guy... a genius of his period.. Leo`s not bad too

[@jojones4685]

I didn't expect to see you here!

[@nlnd6490]

I mean, it’s Leo. What did you expect?

[@corrupt_insomniac]

@@nlnd6490 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Anicius_]

Unlike this comment

[@XFry333X]

Leo's softening technique is blending the spiritual into the world. I shed a tear. That was an enlightening essay!

[@95fabiswa]

I like the Dave, made by Mike

[@Weewoo12309]

Sfamtoe

[@bobd1192]

not really an essay (as that would be implying an argument is being made) - more an observation/analysis video (as with most of Nerdwriter's stuff).

[@sincerely__jay]

To see him so elated about the book just brings me so much joy. Thank you for your content , I will definitely be buying that book 📖 😊

[@jonathanbrackett4985]

I’ve been watching for like 4 years or so. You’ve been a constant pushing me to think and articulate in a way I never have. I appreciate you, you’re an artist can’t wait to read your book and appreciate your art.

[@ZonieMusic]

Very subtly from 8:13 to 8:24, Leonardo's portrait begins to smile. Amazing attention to detail

[@shellywms70]

😮😮😮😮

[@VallisYT]

These kind of religious Renaissance paintings usually fail to grab my attention at the museum, for they may be masterfully crafted yet don't connect with me on an emotional level. However, I loved this analysis, showing the intricate arrangement of the painting and its various meanings, and especially the part about the countless and almost unimaginably thin layers of paint really blew my mind. Thank you for this video, I am looking forward to reading your book next year!

[@mylom6636]

Then why not trying to understand the stories behind them

[@MicahMicahel]

when I was a the Metropolitan Gallery in New York a couple years ago I watched the public. Almost all the modern exhibits were barely attended and the people looking at the art weren't very involved. the ancient art was similar. People walked by or ignored whole rooms. But if you go to the Renaissance art section it's full. People love looking at the art. Maybe the emotions aren't going to grab you because it's mostly religious art but the beauty level is greater than all the other periods of art. Maybe it's because people understand this art or is it because it's more beautiful? Try going to big art galleries and you'll see. This art is universal.

[@Merlincat007]

@@MicahMicahel tbf it could also be down to popularity and recognition. Renaissance paintings get a lot of attention in media.

[@MicahMicahel]

@@Merlincat007 no these paintings weren't generally the most known. Check it out at any of the huge galleries. Watch the people instead of the art as much. Listen to the conversations during the art. the main issue here is that modern art is really quite narcissistic and renaissance art was really commissioned illustration. Renaissance art was made to entertain and communicate. Modernart is often made as an expression of the artist. The goal isn't to entertain. I personally love the anthropology sections at these galleries but you watch and the public looking at those sections will appear dutiful often. You'll see the people looking at the Renaissance stuff fully engaged. People like all the way up to about 1930s. when it gets too modern the crowds walk faster and talk with each other more. even something famous like the Andy Warhol soup cans have nothing to really encaptivate the viewer compared to the weakest Renaissance paintings. Anyone can lookout the Renaissance art and be entertained. Watch anime movies and you'll see renaissance art influences. The art touches all cultures. The Christian appreciation isn't necessarily , partly because they often get Christianity wrong because people weren't as biblically literate in those days. God the father was an old guy with a long beard, for example. Most Christians find Renaissance art has theological problems so we can't even say Christians favour Christian art over non-Christians. I know it sounds like a bold statement but you'll see it's true. Renaissance art is the best art, as far as crowd pleasing goes. It shows in gallery attendance as well. You'll see big galleries want the older artists. Jackson Pollack is probably the only abstract expressionist that could get attendance but that's because he was famous more than the art. the people would mostly feign appreciation.

[@adamfuller5640]

@@Merlincat007 that’s true but the media often pushes modern and postmodern art as equal or superior to renaissance art yet most people don’t really agree with that

[@HistoryDose]

Always happy to see that notification bell ring with a new Nerdwriter video. Fantastic work!

[@ArthurMoore]

Good luck with the book! I’m sure it’s gonna be good!

[@1slothua1]

Your dialogue is poetic Your insight is scientific Your editing is music Your inspiration is inspiring

[@renatab6938]

Wow, I got choked up a bit when you mentioned how we are a part of the painting so far into the future. The idea that the mere act of viewership enhances the meaning of the work overall is such a spectacular thing to think about

[@KartikeKhandelwalvideos]

I would absolutely love an audiobook version of your book, read by you. Would be equal parts familiar and fascinating.

[@jdunnatl]

Good idea!

[@omletecrayola]

Wow I got goosebumps! I can’t believe you wrote a book, so happy for you. Can’t wait to read it. ❤️

[@michaelcorleone2794]

S ve A kardeşim

[@nathana3170]

One could argue the mountains represent the Father creator watching over the scene. The Ancient of Days.

[@arpitdas4263]

I personally find his Madonna on the Rocks to be even better. A beautiful combination of soft light, flowing hair and jagged rocks amidst a swirling sea

[@saotiago]

came here to say the same!

[@idea1istic]

great minds, think alike. thanks for mentioning this fully agree. Madonna on the rocks is spectacular

[@Otekos]

True, the virgin on the rocks is the best painting. Period.

[@rockshot100]

Well I see your point, completely. But Salvador Mundi, is so simple, just really a portrait. It is beguiling how he made it so interesting.

[@koldox4381]

Agree, a chiaroscuro's perfect composition.

[@AKCombines2]

I'm couldn't be anything further from an art expert but honest to god, when I watch vids by this guy (especially with this topic on Da Vinci) I think I get the same high that conspiracy theorists get searching the internet. Blows my mind. The genius of Leo. Incredible.

[@mesektet5776]

Kudos on the book. I will be ordering one myself. DaVinci’s most magnificent thing he ever invented was the concept of the mad-scientist, him.

[@mangoisland4792]

yup, kanye knows it well

[@nightthought2497]

When I was asked what I first noticed, it was the love of the mother. The whole of the painting indicated unmitigated love. This painting seems to me to be an exploration of Spirit (of the Holy Trinity) as it expresses.

[@jordangroff8978]

Yup, this and Lady with an Ermine have always been my favorite Da Vinci paintings.

[@gregzc9395]

Leonardo da Vinci is just such an endlessly fascinating character I never pass up an opportunity to watch a video or doc of him just to find out more detail.

[@THEDanDrake]

Incredible. The master at work. And DaVinci’s great too.

[@icywinterof88]

This made my eyes water. I never thought an explanation of a painting while looking at it could be so overwhelming

[@gustavohernandeza.890]

Even if I came aware of the Nerdwriter's work through his videos on movies, I really enjoy his takes on paintings. It makes you value the craft on different levels. Congratulations on the upcoming book!

[@Iminotterable]

I’ve never pre-ordered a book before. This is so exciting! Can’t wait to see what Nerdwriter1 has to say about public benches haha

[@frtz8609]

Mate I'm so happy to got the notification you uploaded. great to have you back!

[@observingdeeply]

YOU'RE BACK!!!! every time, every time NERDWRITER drop a video i get so excited like a kid XD

[@DustinHasVideos]

Your videos have helped change me from someone who likes art into someone who feels art

[@AMIPRINCE5]

Hey Nerdwriter, Thanks for the video. Its a gift for me on the occasion of Tihar, a festival of lights and happiness in Nepal. Happy Tihar to you nerd.

[@poohoff]

My favorite is the London version of the Virgin of the Rocks

[@crovax17]

Leonardo was one of the most talented humans that has ever lived on so many levels. A genius in many areas.

[@andagueda]

please make sure them books get shipped worldwide, I want my copy in Colombia!

[@OnkelFenrir]

This video made me tear up for some reason. Gorgeous work!

[@nirmalsuki]

Never thought a KZbin video about a piece of art would move me to tears, but here it is. Leonardo is just one of those once-in-a-universe people....

[@ryanh3635]

If I was Christie's I would hire the nerdwriter for every auction presentation

[@rockshot100]

OK, I agree but my favorite Salvador Mundi. My eyes go from the three elements equally.

[@nabrzhunter]

As always, such a beautiful essay. I can’t say I’ve ever seen this work - at least not that I can remember! At any rate, people with that attention to detail blow my mind…I sometimes wonder if the world is wholly more visually colorful for them than for me. One thought, though - as a Christian/agnostic (exploring between, aspiring to see like Chesterton) I can attest that “young earth creationism” is not a Christian dogma. Even St. Augustine commented with frustration regarding Christians of the time taking literal biblical interpretation of scientific subject matter, and that in the 4th/5th centuries. I don’t have my source books with me ATM, but there were a number of other early church fathers as well that advocated for the idea that the seven days of creation were allegorical. Some suggested that each represented a thousand years (an inference drawn from 2 Peter 3:8), but this was not dogmatic. Today, especially in the Catholic Church, the scientific age of the world and even evolution are widely accepted. JSYK, in case the (largely fundamentalist) young earth creationists are drowning us out. Again, thanks for your work, and I look forward to Escape Into Meaning! Congrats on completion!

[@mcmbslipknotmcr]

It was a Catholic Priest who proposed the Big Bang Theory kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6rQaI2rfMl2qbc&ab_channel=TheThomisticInstitute

[@SP-ct2rj]

Well said. Many seem to think science and religion are in conflict. But belief in God is actually a reason to research and investigate how the universe works. Like this we can see into the mind of God and it can even be a source of worship because we can see the stars, the atoms, the diversity of life, the age of everything and just marvel at how creative our God us and how great his love for us truly is. He has created infinitely more beautiful and majestic things than us, yet he chose to give his life for us.

[@homosapien5156]

I hope the book becomes available in my country as soon as possible. ❤️🙏

[@Animefreak242]

That's amazing. Congratulations on finishing the book. Can't wait to buy it.

[@jpolitojr]

This is excellent news. PRE-ordered before I even finished the video. Congratulations!

[@charlotteillustration5778]

I totally agree with your opinion on this painting - not just because of the fascinating scientific analysis of his genius, but the fact that, as you have shown, it is rich in symbolism, warmth, colour, beauty…

[@arniecalang4583]

When you were discussing about the painting not being religious but a simple painting of a family my god that was so profound I teared up. Great video!

[@byeperry]

That Leo's smile at the end you've made 💪

[@pinoyguy75]

Dude, you better be recording an audiobook!

[@mauriciobombardelli3560]

What a wonderful day. As a Brazilian now os lunch time, wich ill do watching this beauty. Thanks

[@qjames0077]

Happy for your book Evan. Your channel, video essays, and journey are an inspiration for other creators out there. Well earned, sir.

[@maydee3000]

no way! i've spent the past 4 months writing a thesis about this exact topic and my presentation of it is tomorrow. the timing is perfect. love your analysis! leonardo's idea of nature as a metaphor for the human body is so fascinating. his paintings really show his affinity for the natural sciences. raphael actually has a painting called the holy family with the lamb which is often cited as a chronological continuation of leonardo's st anne - here the child is climbing onto the lamb, whereas in raphael's painting he's already straddling it. what an astute observation of leonardo to make the child grab the lamb's hand so forcefully with that almost mischievous grin, showing that while he is divine, he's also still a simple, innocent human child and doesn't know what awaits him yet. this made me so happy :D

[@jasmine-ruff-puff9951]

How do you even get a brushstroke thinner than a hair? Fascinating.

[@0seele]

If you also release an audio version fully narrated by you im all in sir

[@myparrotalbum]

What a beautiful video. I have been watching since I was 15 yrs old, and I am always, somehow, more impressed.

[@lorettaavery1498]

watched you since i was about 13, your videos got me through high school and college. can't wait for the book!

[@rishab6334]

I am so disappointed that KZbin didn't recommend me this channel before. I am in absolute awe of the quality of your videos. It is a piece of art itself.

[@Syllence]

What a timing to open up youtube. Cheers form 🇷🇴

[@aModernDandy]

I remember entering the room where this is exhibited in the Louvre in 2014 and spotting this from the entrance and it just immediately stood out to me. I approached it, looked at it for a while and was wholly unsurprised to read the sign and find that it is by Leonardo. He really was very good at this.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

In my recent Q&A, I said I always wanted to make a video on why I don't like the Mona Lisa. Great video as always! I'll have to respond to it eventually ;)

[@DragonLandlord]

Have you read Salvador Dali's essay on why artists mess with the Mona Lisa?

[@thehopeofeden597]

I'm so happy to see Evan so happy. Even though I just moved countries and have less money, I'm excited to spend what I do have on the book. I know that I will love it!

[@DNBon.an808]

Congratulations!!!!!!! I look forward to every one of your uploads; so insightful. Thank you!

[@grace-ml4ep]

just preordered the book !! cant wait and super proud of you !

[@B_Son]

Loved the subtle smile given to Leonardo at the end.

[@nadypomyateeva5331]

Omg his smile at the end!!!! :)))))

[@apopj5322]

i mean you probably won't read this but your videos always impress me tbh. since high school when i found you. i always learn a lot. i'm defnitely buying your book. idk how ill get it here in the Philippines though.

[@RubendeMan]

When you feel the ending of the essay coming, suddenly a black screen with the music fading away... goosebumps!

[@AdventureswithLewis]

One of my favourite KZbinrs. Watching his videos is not optional

[@isanheil1772]

….and this is why I’m subscribed to you! This is absolutely brilliant, I’ve had tendencies to gloss over the types of art you’ve presented. I absolutely love the perspective on THIS painting in particular, even kinda awe-inspiring the more I think about it. Keep doing what you’re doing, love the work!

[@drewgivens6557]

I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite KZbinr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.

[@realfians4k]

Absolute perfection, not only in Da Vinci's painting, but also in this video. Superb.

[@Nikk-Astyr]

Congratulations, Evan! You were one of the first video essayists I've subscribed to at age 16. I'm now 20, and your passion made me appreciate any art on a deeper level, and even improved mine (I'm an amateur screenwriter-director). I've also recently got my first work in the world so seeing you also finally achieving your lifetime goal inspires me and also makes me extremely proud. Keep up the good work, and I'll keep on following your journey!

[@danieljamespike]

This is the first time since the Harry Potter book releases that I immediately preordered a book! So excited to read it, Evan!

[@bramwul]

Ordered my copy of the book without any hesitation. Looking forward to it!

[@shantodas8184]

so happy to see you finally writing a book. been following this channel since 2017. and it has really shaped my worldview and i am thankful to you for that

[@Fromtheforgottengardens]

I live in Paris but still haven't went to Louvre (maybe one day), people just rush to Mona Lisa painting at Louvre like crazy just to take a photo. But many of da Vinci's sketches and paintings are not known by lot of people. His sketches about helicopters and mechanical tractor were designed years before it's conception. Lot of people who went there don't know this. I think problem is people consume art rather than discover it.

[@WittgensteinsBeetle]

Your channel has been one of my favorites for years. Looking forward to the book!

[@ingeborg-anne]

Holy cow, Nerdwriter has a face! I love these videos so much, my dude.

[@billykrueger275]

Man, I haven't see Evan's face in forever. Congrats man! I remember watching episode 1 with that black and white web cam and you mentioned wanting to write a book. It's been a long time since then, but im glad you finally accomplished that goal!

[@InuAngel788]

I got chills an innumerable amount of times while watching this video. You speak and analyze with such amazing care and love. It’s positively inspiring.

[@stevesloan5935]

That is perhaps the single most cogent commentary of a painting that I've ever heard, with a beautiful economy of expression, clarity, and composition of its own.

[@MrAmillz88]

I was curious why your content had been so sparse , but super excited for your book! Best of luck!!

[@Hopperton]

At 3:59 I began to tear up at the pure beauty of the painting. I was overwhelmed and move to a half smirk when he zoomed into the mountains to focus on the nature of time and the world. Time and the world are reminders to me that what has come before has risen from the land and returned to the land. Just truly existenial in every sense of the word. Thanks Nerdwriter for showing this masterpiece.

[@doplarn]

When nerdwriter uploads its a good day

[@rodrigo3732]

This is one of the best videos i have ever seen. Will definetly check out your other videos on paintings.

[@GonDFRD]

seeing this notification made me so happy.

[@michaelelliott1212]

I've been a viewer, follower and fan of The Nerdwriter videos for a long time. Due your intelligence, soft-spoken delivery and subject matter. Keep up the great work, and congrats on your book!

[@andreismithnow]

I don’t pre-order things, but for you, I will! I’ve been a fan for so long and it’s amazing to see you experience great success. I remember how you showed me what KZbin could be, my own (doomed) KZbin channel I made (full of car sales and motivation tips) and everything else you’ve brought to me. So, yeah, I preordered. Keep it up man!

[@stevemuzak8526]

Tip for photographers : You want want to learn about composition etc? Study master painters paintings

[@wrightexe1]

I’m so happy about your book. I can’t wait to read it. I love learning about a multitude of topics- almost anything interests me. I guess that’s why I love this channel too.

[@openingband]

Way to go Voice Guy. Been watching you since Vlog 12. Proud of you on the book :)

[@hunmiliengtipi9218]

So happy to see you again Evan!

[@liyan7314]

I’m buying your book, this episode alone almost drove me to tears

[@MateenManek]

This was brilliant. I have no words. Can’t wait for your book!!

[@anachronologist2017]

Definitely picking up your book. It's nice to see someone achieve a dream, so I'll support that all the way. I also hope to write a book soon myself, so thanks for the inspiration Nerdwriter.

[@ben_chao]

I see the nerdwriter upgraded his mic from that one bent up mic he had on his q and a 👍

[@benmartizz8238]

I am not sure if I am overreacting but god! this gave me goosebumps especially the analysis and the symbol of time in the painting.

[@justanotherfella4585]

I’m no artist or art historian though I’ve been picture framing for about 30 years now (wow! How time flies!) & have framed all kinds of paintings. Leonardo does really stand out & not just as a technician. His humanity & love of the craft is crying out from his work. Great video, keep it up.

[@rashmigautam7372]

The joy of having accomplished a dream of so long is clearly palpable in your face. Couldn't be more excited for you. Many many congratulations and the video is as awesome as ever if not more ^^

[@wendybird7059]

You wrote a BOOK!!!! Woot. Congrats. Pre-ordered as soon as you posted the link! *hype*

[@Joe-gf6vn]

Congratulations on the book!! Can't wait to read it 🙂

[@johnboy3523]

I’m not sure if it’s serendipity, or coincidence, but I’ve always wanted to write a book, and I actually JUST began the other night after watching your video about Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. You have a wonderful way of describing things in a way that I would like to think everyone can grasp (because I’m no genius, and you make sense of things I would typically shy away from because of their multi-faceted and nuanced nature). Anyway, I’m even more inspired now by the fact that you have written your own book!! I can’t even imagine how surreal that must feel.

[@briannagordon1002]

So exciting! Congratulations and can't wait to read your book Evan!!

[@TheGaze]

Looking forward to your book! If you’re blown away by the detail in the pebble (rightly so), you should definitely check out the detail in The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan Van Eyck. I made a couple videos about it. Cheers!

[@stendaalcartography3436]

congrats! so proud of you friend!