Madonna of the Carnation
Oil on panel, 62 x 48.5 cm, by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

This work is thought to be da Vinci's first independent painting. The subject of the Virgin offering a carnation to the Christ Child was popular in Florence between the 1400s and 1500s, the carnation being a symbol of love and sacrifice. The mountainous landscape seen through the windows is unusual because no such views are found in Central Italy. Previously attributed to da Vinci's teacher, Verrocchio, this painting is now generally accepted as having been completed by da Vinci when he was still working in his teacher's workshop, but possibly with overpainting by another artist. Those still in doubt point to a slight rigidity in the figures compared to da Vinci's usual mastery of form and movement. Additionally, the light and shadow effects, while present, seem less nuanced and layered than in his established works. However, this could be attributed to his early experimentation, as he was still developing and mastering his techniques. Some have suggested that Verrocchio contributed to the original design because works by other of his students share similarities to da Vinci's, although this would be inevitable because designs and studies were usually shared amongst young artists in the same studio. With regard to painting technique, this work is regarded as an experiment, but still of remarkable artistic genius.