Homage to Leonardo
Object NamePrint
Artist / Maker
Rudy O. Pozzatti
((American, b. 1925))
Date1973
OriginUnited States
MediumColor zinc plate etching, acquatint, and lift ground with computer printout collage on German etching paper
Dimensions35 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (90.2 x 60.3 cm)
ClassificationsPrints and Printing Plates
Credit LineGift of Class of 1967. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object numberUM82.101
Status
Not on viewCollections
CultureAmerican
Label TextPotzzatti long admired the virtuosity of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) who is universally known as the embodiment of a Renaissance man. Leonardo da Vinci was a scientist and artist, merging technology and humanities to create advances in understanding of the known world. Five hundred years after his contributions, Leonardo has proved to be endlessly fascinating for later generations. In this etching Pozzatti commemorates Leonardo and his many contributions that include the "Mona Lisa" (1503-06), the most often-reproduced work of art in history, as well as his other scientific, anatomy, ballistics, aviation, marine biology, physiognomy, botanical and architectural drawings depicting his advances to a variety of academic studies. In a delightful play on the importance of invention to all ages, Pozzatti combines a copy of da Vinci's self-portrait in the lower left with a centrally placed reproduction of d Vinci's masterpiece, the "Mona Lisa", as produced in the University of Indiana computer lab by Pozzatti's son, Rudy, Jr. This graphic typeset "Mona Lisa", makes her as much a part of the 20th century psyche as the 15th century reality.
MarkingsEdition of 50, this print is marked 13/50.
SignedSigned in pencil:
Homage to da Vinci 13/50 Rudy Pozzatti, 1973
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Brunnier Main Storage
