Study Guide:
Leonardo, "On Painting"
Leonardo da Vinci, often termed the "Renaissance Man," exemplified the Renaissance artists' self-awareness and concern with their craft. These artists not only painted gloriously, but thought about the act of painting itself and what it meant to be a painter. An analogy would be for you to not only go to school, attend classes, do homework and take tests, BUT ALSO TO THINK ABOUT BEING A STUDENT AND WRITE ABOUT IT: What makes a good student? How could you be a better student?
Read the excerpt from Leonardo's essay, "On Painting" and answer the following questions:
- Leonardo stated, "The mind of the painter must resemble
____________________."
What does he mean in your own words?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ - According to Leonardo, what must be the artist's attitude
toward nature?
_________________________________________________________ - Leonardo call the eye the "_____________________________"
- Exactly how is nature primarily to be appreciated?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ - What does Leonardo believe to be superior: painting or
poetry and WHY? Explain his reasoning in your own words:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Give three examples he uses to make his point:- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- You've heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand
words." Would Leonardo agree with this statement?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ - Do you agree with Leonardo? Why or why not? Give an
example.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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