“Leonardo da Vinci and Creative Female Nature” Mary D. Garrard Feminism and Tradition in Aesthetics Prepared By: Justine Phelps

Aims of the Class To examine Leonardo da Vinci’s works from a feminist perspective to expose “gender-based conceptual biases” Examine da Vinci’s impact on female portraiture, representation, and biology Discuss the micro- macrocosm commentary regarding the (female) human body La Scapagliata

Key Terms SfumatoContrappostoAnima Natura creatrix Natura naturata Natura naturans Annunciation

Guide Questions Loenardo was known for both his artistic advances as well as his scientific ones. In this course we have described modern technology as having a masculine role in controlling the feminine nature. Where is Leonardo’s stance in this attempt to control through science? Loenardo was known for both his artistic advances as well as his scientific ones. In this course we have described modern technology as having a masculine role in controlling the feminine nature. Where is Leonardo’s stance in this attempt to control through science? Though Leonardo altered the position and gaze of the female subjects he painted, in the end they were still images commissioned by husbands, fiancés and fathers. Does this fact discredit his attempt to valorize the female sex? Though Leonardo altered the position and gaze of the female subjects he painted, in the end they were still images commissioned by husbands, fiancés and fathers. Does this fact discredit his attempt to valorize the female sex? The article states that Leonardo’s representation of the female and feminine was “distinctive in a period when women were neither politically nor socially empowered to make such a case for themselves.” Are we now in a position to make such a case for ourselves artistically, and if so, should this still be an area for male expression? The article states that Leonardo’s representation of the female and feminine was “distinctive in a period when women were neither politically nor socially empowered to make such a case for themselves.” Are we now in a position to make such a case for ourselves artistically, and if so, should this still be an area for male expression?

Sources The Annunciation, Ginevra de’ Benci, Virgin of the Rocks, Lady with Ermine, La bella Ferroniere, Mona Lisa: The Annunciation, Ginevra de’ Benci, Virgin of the Rocks, Lady with Ermine, La bella Ferroniere, Mona Lisa: La Scapagliata, Study for Leda, Star of Bethlehem: La Scapagliata, Study for Leda, Star of Bethlehem: Study of Female Body, Uterus and Fetus: Study of Female Body, Uterus and Fetus: Giovanna Tornabuoni: html html Birth of Venus: