Leonardo da Vinci and God Both Created Their Masterpieces This Way
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Photo by tamara bellis on unsplash
Have you ever wondered how Leonardo da Vinci achieved the lifelike yet ethereal appearance of his Mona Lisa?
The mysterious beauty of this masterpiece is the result of a technique called sfumato. It involved applying extremely thin layers of paint—up to 40 layers in the case of the Mona Lisa—to create a soft, smoky effect (in Italian, sfmato actually means “gone up in smoke”).
While this effect can be created using paintbrushes, da Vinci also liked to use a unique tool: his fingers.
His use of his fingers wasn’t limited to the Mona Lisa. The Seattle Times quoted forensic art expert Peter Paul Biro as saying, “Leonardo used his hands liberally and frequently as part of his painting technique. His fingerprints are found on many of his works.”
In fact, in 2009, the value of a portrait originally believed to have been painted by a German artist rocketed from $19,000 to upwards of $150 million when a fingerprint was discovered on it—a fingerprint that matched fingerprints on other works of art known to have been painted by da Vinci.
YOU ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE
When I first learned about da Vinci's use of his hands in implementing the sfumato technique, I was struck by what an intimate method it is. Applying paint with one’s fingers is so personal—the artist coming into direct contact with the subject, depositing bits of himself into his art, literally imprinting himself onto it. It seems to me that da Vinci’s method of painting wasn’t just an act of art—it was an act of love.
Whenever I think of Leonardo da Vinci and his hand painting, I can’t help but think of Ephesians 2:10, which says that “we are God’s masterpiece” (NLT).
Just as da Vinci personally and carefully formed the Mona Lisa with his fingers, so God tenderly and intentionally molded and formed you into His great masterpiece.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
As we enter this new year, I hope you move forward in courage and confidence, knowing that, even if others mislabel or devalue you, you are extremely valuable to God. You reveal His intelligence, creativity, beauty, and glory. His fingerprints are all over you!
So this year, let your light shine! Let your gifts and talents reveal God’s goodness to those around you. There are people just waiting for and in need of what you have to offer.
I pray that as you share the masterpiece of you, you experience a fresh infusion of joy, fulfillment, and peace!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here or through the comment section below!
In purpose and faith,
Recommended read...
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…Whenever I think of da Vinci and his hand painting, I can’t help but think of Ephesians 2:10, which says that “we are God’s masterpiece” (NLT).
Just as da Vinci personally and carefully formed the Mona Lisa with his fingers, so God tenderly and intentionally molded and formed you into His great masterpiece…