A key idea: The subject of the Last Supper, as treated in murals in monastic dining halls, has its own formulas—with emphasis on the contrasting roles of three apostles. John is the passive youth; Peter, the mature, belligerent man; and Judas, the evil one.
A key idea: The Louvre Madonna of the Rocks shows Mary protectively sheltering St. John the Baptist, rather than her own son who sits apart. This mystery can be solved by a tradition in Renaissance Tuscany—pictures depicting Our Lady of Mercy.
A key idea: Constantine helped preserve naturalism in art, which survived partly by the transport of Greek statuary to Constantinople and partly by sympathy toward “perennial Hellenism.” Thus, he enabled a jump-started Italian Renaissance.
A key idea: Many of Leonardo’s drawings have Greco-Roman themes, and many display a liveliness comparable to that found in ancient art. Horses preoccupied Leonardo, whether sketches of mythical seahorses or studies for an equestrian statue.
A key idea: Leonardo’s nocturnal John the Baptist reflects the current popularity of works showing the adult St. John. Except for pictures by Leonardo and his circle, John is rarely depicted alone and not usually shown as a smiling youth.
