Hi all! It’s AMAZING to see your enthusiasm for the book. After working on something in private for a year and half, it’s a wild emotional experience to finally tell the world about it. Thank you so much to everyone who has pre-ordered! On the question of where it will be available: I just got word from my publisher that they’ll export the hardcover to “open market” territories around the world - basically anywhere English-language books are sold, except the nations in the British Commonwealth. Check your local Amazon site. It should be available for pre-order now. And, yes, for those asking, there will be an audio book, and it’ll be read by me! It’s available from Audible and others for pre-order, and will come out the same day as the book. All the links are Simon & Schuster’s page for Escape Into Meaning: bit.ly/2ZPqcq4
Evan have you ever thought about making a video about certain video games? I love all of your content and I think if you got into the medium a bit more, there’s some amazing stories told in video games such as The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2, The Life is Strange franchise, A Plague Tale, Journey, Horizon Zero Dawn, Red Dead Redemption (Especially the second one), and so many more. I love art, I love films, I love everything you make content on, but video games are the best form of media in my opinion.
I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite TH-camr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.
Thank you and congratulations! Your essays have always had the ability to interested me even if I have no knowledge or interest in the subject so I'm excited to see how that translates to writing!
Along with other duties running a design department at a small art college in Japan, I taught art history for a few years in the early 00’s, and I regret that I didn’t inject it with even a fraction of this passion and enthusiasm.
But you still taught, everyone should at some point in their life. Im willing to bet you inspired even one person and that's worth it. Maybe It's also not for everybody but it's meant to help you learn too.
Mads-Ok well that was then and this is now. Even if you are not formally teaching anymore you can inject that type of passion into your conversations about art whenever you visit a museum and or talk about art with your friends and family. your " classroom" can be a dinner table , a livingroom, a walk in the park
I’ve been watching for like 4 years or so. You’ve been a constant pushing me to think and articulate in a way I never have. I appreciate you, you’re an artist can’t wait to read your book and appreciate your art.
These kind of religious Renaissance paintings usually fail to grab my attention at the museum, for they may be masterfully crafted yet don't connect with me on an emotional level. However, I loved this analysis, showing the intricate arrangement of the painting and its various meanings, and especially the part about the countless and almost unimaginably thin layers of paint really blew my mind. Thank you for this video, I am looking forward to reading your book next year!
when I was a the Metropolitan Gallery in New York a couple years ago I watched the public. Almost all the modern exhibits were barely attended and the people looking at the art weren't very involved. the ancient art was similar. People walked by or ignored whole rooms. But if you go to the Renaissance art section it's full. People love looking at the art. Maybe the emotions aren't going to grab you because it's mostly religious art but the beauty level is greater than all the other periods of art. Maybe it's because people understand this art or is it because it's more beautiful? Try going to big art galleries and you'll see. This art is universal.
@@Merlincat007 no these paintings weren't generally the most known. Check it out at any of the huge galleries. Watch the people instead of the art as much. Listen to the conversations during the art. the main issue here is that modern art is really quite narcissistic and renaissance art was really commissioned illustration. Renaissance art was made to entertain and communicate. Modernart is often made as an expression of the artist. The goal isn't to entertain. I personally love the anthropology sections at these galleries but you watch and the public looking at those sections will appear dutiful often. You'll see the people looking at the Renaissance stuff fully engaged. People like all the way up to about 1930s. when it gets too modern the crowds walk faster and talk with each other more. even something famous like the Andy Warhol soup cans have nothing to really encaptivate the viewer compared to the weakest Renaissance paintings. Anyone can lookout the Renaissance art and be entertained. Watch anime movies and you'll see renaissance art influences. The art touches all cultures. The Christian appreciation isn't necessarily , partly because they often get Christianity wrong because people weren't as biblically literate in those days. God the father was an old guy with a long beard, for example. Most Christians find Renaissance art has theological problems so we can't even say Christians favour Christian art over non-Christians. I know it sounds like a bold statement but you'll see it's true. Renaissance art is the best art, as far as crowd pleasing goes. It shows in gallery attendance as well. You'll see big galleries want the older artists. Jackson Pollack is probably the only abstract expressionist that could get attendance but that's because he was famous more than the art. the people would mostly feign appreciation.
@@Merlincat007 that’s true but the media often pushes modern and postmodern art as equal or superior to renaissance art yet most people don’t really agree with that
Wow, I got choked up a bit when you mentioned how we are a part of the painting so far into the future. The idea that the mere act of viewership enhances the meaning of the work overall is such a spectacular thing to think about
I personally find his Madonna on the Rocks to be even better. A beautiful combination of soft light, flowing hair and jagged rocks amidst a swirling sea
I'm couldn't be anything further from an art expert but honest to god, when I watch vids by this guy (especially with this topic on Da Vinci) I think I get the same high that conspiracy theorists get searching the internet. Blows my mind. The genius of Leo. Incredible.
When I was asked what I first noticed, it was the love of the mother. The whole of the painting indicated unmitigated love. This painting seems to me to be an exploration of Spirit (of the Holy Trinity) as it expresses.
Even if I came aware of the Nerdwriter's work through his videos on movies, I really enjoy his takes on paintings. It makes you value the craft on different levels. Congratulations on the upcoming book!
Hey Nerdwriter, Thanks for the video. Its a gift for me on the occasion of Tihar, a festival of lights and happiness in Nepal. Happy Tihar to you nerd.
Leonardo da Vinci is just such an endlessly fascinating character I never pass up an opportunity to watch a video or doc of him just to find out more detail.
no way! i've spent the past 4 months writing a thesis about this exact topic and my presentation of it is tomorrow. the timing is perfect. love your analysis! leonardo's idea of nature as a metaphor for the human body is so fascinating. his paintings really show his affinity for the natural sciences. raphael actually has a painting called the holy family with the lamb which is often cited as a chronological continuation of leonardo's st anne - here the child is climbing onto the lamb, whereas in raphael's painting he's already straddling it. what an astute observation of leonardo to make the child grab the lamb's hand so forcefully with that almost mischievous grin, showing that while he is divine, he's also still a simple, innocent human child and doesn't know what awaits him yet. this made me so happy :D
I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite TH-camr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.
Congratulations, Evan! You were one of the first video essayists I've subscribed to at age 16. I'm now 20, and your passion made me appreciate any art on a deeper level, and even improved mine (I'm an amateur screenwriter-director). I've also recently got my first work in the world so seeing you also finally achieving your lifetime goal inspires me and also makes me extremely proud. Keep up the good work, and I'll keep on following your journey!
That is perhaps the single most cogent commentary of a painting that I've ever heard, with a beautiful economy of expression, clarity, and composition of its own.
I am so disappointed that TH-cam didn't recommend me this channel before. I am in absolute awe of the quality of your videos. It is a piece of art itself.
….and this is why I’m subscribed to you! This is absolutely brilliant, I’ve had tendencies to gloss over the types of art you’ve presented. I absolutely love the perspective on THIS painting in particular, even kinda awe-inspiring the more I think about it. Keep doing what you’re doing, love the work!
so happy to see you finally writing a book. been following this channel since 2017. and it has really shaped my worldview and i am thankful to you for that
I don’t pre-order things, but for you, I will! I’ve been a fan for so long and it’s amazing to see you experience great success. I remember how you showed me what TH-cam could be, my own (doomed) TH-cam channel I made (full of car sales and motivation tips) and everything else you’ve brought to me. So, yeah, I preordered. Keep it up man!
I've been a viewer, follower and fan of The Nerdwriter videos for a long time. Due your intelligence, soft-spoken delivery and subject matter. Keep up the great work, and congrats on your book!
The joy of having accomplished a dream of so long is clearly palpable in your face. Couldn't be more excited for you. Many many congratulations and the video is as awesome as ever if not more ^^
Him: "What's the first thing you notice?" Me: "That blue cloak really clashes against the colors of everything else around it." Him: "The triangle of course" Me: "... ok?"
That's also a fair observation, and I presume he didn't touch on it because it's both a notable point made by many before and it doesn't necessarily contribute to the narrative he was trying to weave in the essay. Mary was often depicted in blue, which has been said to symbolize her purity and her status (it was a pigment of great value at the time and was a color of Byzantine royalty).
This is because the painting is not in good condition and the blue of the Virgin Mary's robe has been over cleaned, thus removing Leonardo's subtle glazes, so the robe now stands out more than Leonardo intended.
When you were discussing about the painting not being religious but a simple painting of a family my god that was so profound I teared up. Great video!
Every time I see Nerdwriter has uploaded 1) I'm stoked but 2) when it's about paintings I'm just plain giddy. His deep dives through Art History make it fun, memorable, and informative
As always, such a beautiful essay. I can’t say I’ve ever seen this work - at least not that I can remember! At any rate, people with that attention to detail blow my mind…I sometimes wonder if the world is wholly more visually colorful for them than for me. One thought, though - as a Christian/agnostic (exploring between, aspiring to see like Chesterton) I can attest that “young earth creationism” is not a Christian dogma. Even St. Augustine commented with frustration regarding Christians of the time taking literal biblical interpretation of scientific subject matter, and that in the 4th/5th centuries. I don’t have my source books with me ATM, but there were a number of other early church fathers as well that advocated for the idea that the seven days of creation were allegorical. Some suggested that each represented a thousand years (an inference drawn from 2 Peter 3:8), but this was not dogmatic. Today, especially in the Catholic Church, the scientific age of the world and even evolution are widely accepted. JSYK, in case the (largely fundamentalist) young earth creationists are drowning us out. Again, thanks for your work, and I look forward to Escape Into Meaning! Congrats on completion!
Well said. Many seem to think science and religion are in conflict. But belief in God is actually a reason to research and investigate how the universe works. Like this we can see into the mind of God and it can even be a source of worship because we can see the stars, the atoms, the diversity of life, the age of everything and just marvel at how creative our God us and how great his love for us truly is. He has created infinitely more beautiful and majestic things than us, yet he chose to give his life for us.
In my recent Q&A, I said I always wanted to make a video on why I don't like the Mona Lisa. Great video as always! I'll have to respond to it eventually ;)
Definitely picking up your book. It's nice to see someone achieve a dream, so I'll support that all the way. I also hope to write a book soon myself, so thanks for the inspiration Nerdwriter.
I totally agree with your opinion on this painting - not just because of the fascinating scientific analysis of his genius, but the fact that, as you have shown, it is rich in symbolism, warmth, colour, beauty…
Man, I haven't see Evan's face in forever. Congrats man! I remember watching episode 1 with that black and white web cam and you mentioned wanting to write a book. It's been a long time since then, but im glad you finally accomplished that goal!
I’m so happy about your book. I can’t wait to read it. I love learning about a multitude of topics- almost anything interests me. I guess that’s why I love this channel too.
I'm so happy to see Evan so happy. Even though I just moved countries and have less money, I'm excited to spend what I do have on the book. I know that I will love it!
Amazing work as always! Have been in love with your work for so long! From all the channels that I have visited on youtube, you stand out as the best writer and narrator. Congratulations on your book! Can't wait for what you have in store for us!
I remember entering the room where this is exhibited in the Louvre in 2014 and spotting this from the entrance and it just immediately stood out to me. I approached it, looked at it for a while and was wholly unsurprised to read the sign and find that it is by Leonardo. He really was very good at this.
Congratulations on your book! I’ve watched you since the beginning and have always thought that I’d accept your video essays in my English class, so you moving to writing is such a natural transition for you. I’m beyond thrilled for you. Congratulations!
I’m not sure if it’s serendipity, or coincidence, but I’ve always wanted to write a book, and I actually JUST began the other night after watching your video about Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. You have a wonderful way of describing things in a way that I would like to think everyone can grasp (because I’m no genius, and you make sense of things I would typically shy away from because of their multi-faceted and nuanced nature). Anyway, I’m even more inspired now by the fact that you have written your own book!! I can’t even imagine how surreal that must feel.
I got chills an innumerable amount of times while watching this video. You speak and analyze with such amazing care and love. It’s positively inspiring.
I live in Paris but still haven't went to Louvre (maybe one day), people just rush to Mona Lisa painting at Louvre like crazy just to take a photo. But many of da Vinci's sketches and paintings are not known by lot of people. His sketches about helicopters and mechanical tractor were designed years before it's conception. Lot of people who went there don't know this. I think problem is people consume art rather than discover it.
I appreciate the explanation of the painting because I'm not one of those people that can make those connections in paintings for some reason. They just all look like one complete thing to me.
Hi all! It’s AMAZING to see your enthusiasm for the book. After working on something in private for a year and half, it’s a wild emotional experience to finally tell the world about it. Thank you so much to everyone who has pre-ordered!
On the question of where it will be available: I just got word from my publisher that they’ll export the hardcover to “open market” territories around the world - basically anywhere English-language books are sold, except the nations in the British Commonwealth. Check your local Amazon site. It should be available for pre-order now.
And, yes, for those asking, there will be an audio book, and it’ll be read by me! It’s available from Audible and others for pre-order, and will come out the same day as the book. All the links are Simon & Schuster’s page for Escape Into Meaning: bit.ly/2ZPqcq4
Evan have you ever thought about making a video about certain video games? I love all of your content and I think if you got into the medium a bit more, there’s some amazing stories told in video games such as The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2, The Life is Strange franchise, A Plague Tale, Journey, Horizon Zero Dawn, Red Dead Redemption (Especially the second one), and so many more. I love art, I love films, I love everything you make content on, but video games are the best form of media in my opinion.
Looking forward to reading it Evan. I've been watching your vids since the algorithm recommended me your Louis CK video in 2015. You're awesome.
I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite TH-camr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.
Thank you and congratulations! Your essays have always had the ability to interested me even if I have no knowledge or interest in the subject so I'm excited to see how that translates to writing!
مجهود تشكر عليه.. لكن لو يترجم لعربية لكانت الفائده اعظم.. تحياتي لك
Along with other duties running a design department at a small art college in Japan, I taught art history for a few years in the early 00’s, and I regret that I didn’t inject it with even a fraction of this passion and enthusiasm.
Are you talking about Evan's, or Da Vinci's?
@@thisisnotok2100 Evan's passion towards da vinci's art
But you still taught, everyone should at some point in their life. Im willing to bet you inspired even one person and that's worth it. Maybe It's also not for everybody but it's meant to help you learn too.
Mads-Ok well that was then and this is now. Even if you are not formally teaching anymore you can inject that type of passion into your conversations about art whenever you visit a museum and or talk about art with your friends and family.
your " classroom" can be a dinner table , a livingroom, a walk in the park
What a spectacular piece of art. The painting is also impressive.
this guy... a genius of his period.. Leo`s not bad too
I didn't expect to see you here!
I mean, it’s Leo. What did you expect?
@@nlnd6490 🤦🏽♂️
Unlike this comment
Very subtly from 8:13 to 8:24, Leonardo's portrait begins to smile. Amazing attention to detail
😮😮😮😮
Leo's softening technique is blending the spiritual into the world. I shed a tear. That was an enlightening essay!
I like the Dave, made by Mike
Sfamtoe
not really an essay (as that would be implying an argument is being made) - more an observation/analysis video (as with most of Nerdwriter's stuff).
To see him so elated about the book just brings me so much joy. Thank you for your content , I will definitely be buying that book 📖 😊
I’ve been watching for like 4 years or so. You’ve been a constant pushing me to think and articulate in a way I never have. I appreciate you, you’re an artist can’t wait to read your book and appreciate your art.
Always happy to see that notification bell ring with a new Nerdwriter video. Fantastic work!
Good luck with the book! I’m sure it’s gonna be good!
I would absolutely love an audiobook version of your book, read by you. Would be equal parts familiar and fascinating.
Good idea!
Your dialogue is poetic
Your insight is scientific
Your editing is music
Your inspiration is inspiring
These kind of religious Renaissance paintings usually fail to grab my attention at the museum, for they may be masterfully crafted yet don't connect with me on an emotional level. However, I loved this analysis, showing the intricate arrangement of the painting and its various meanings, and especially the part about the countless and almost unimaginably thin layers of paint really blew my mind. Thank you for this video, I am looking forward to reading your book next year!
Then why not trying to understand the stories behind them
when I was a the Metropolitan Gallery in New York a couple years ago I watched the public. Almost all the modern exhibits were barely attended and the people looking at the art weren't very involved. the ancient art was similar. People walked by or ignored whole rooms. But if you go to the Renaissance art section it's full. People love looking at the art. Maybe the emotions aren't going to grab you because it's mostly religious art but the beauty level is greater than all the other periods of art. Maybe it's because people understand this art or is it because it's more beautiful? Try going to big art galleries and you'll see. This art is universal.
@@MicahMicahel tbf it could also be down to popularity and recognition. Renaissance paintings get a lot of attention in media.
@@Merlincat007 no these paintings weren't generally the most known. Check it out at any of the huge galleries. Watch the people instead of the art as much. Listen to the conversations during the art. the main issue here is that modern art is really quite narcissistic and renaissance art was really commissioned illustration. Renaissance art was made to entertain and communicate. Modernart is often made as an expression of the artist. The goal isn't to entertain.
I personally love the anthropology sections at these galleries but you watch and the public looking at those sections will appear dutiful often. You'll see the people looking at the Renaissance stuff fully engaged.
People like all the way up to about 1930s. when it gets too modern the crowds walk faster and talk with each other more.
even something famous like the Andy Warhol soup cans have nothing to really encaptivate the viewer compared to the weakest Renaissance paintings.
Anyone can lookout the Renaissance art and be entertained. Watch anime movies and you'll see renaissance art influences. The art touches all cultures. The Christian appreciation isn't necessarily , partly because they often get Christianity wrong because people weren't as biblically literate in those days. God the father was an old guy with a long beard, for example. Most Christians find Renaissance art has theological problems so we can't even say Christians favour Christian art over non-Christians.
I know it sounds like a bold statement but you'll see it's true. Renaissance art is the best art, as far as crowd pleasing goes.
It shows in gallery attendance as well. You'll see big galleries want the older artists. Jackson Pollack is probably the only abstract expressionist that could get attendance but that's because he was famous more than the art. the people would mostly feign appreciation.
@@Merlincat007 that’s true but the media often pushes modern and postmodern art as equal or superior to renaissance art yet most people don’t really agree with that
Wow, I got choked up a bit when you mentioned how we are a part of the painting so far into the future. The idea that the mere act of viewership enhances the meaning of the work overall is such a spectacular thing to think about
I personally find his Madonna on the Rocks to be even better. A beautiful combination of soft light, flowing hair and jagged rocks amidst a swirling sea
came here to say the same!
great minds, think alike. thanks for mentioning this fully agree. Madonna on the rocks is spectacular
True, the virgin on the rocks is the best painting. Period.
Well I see your point, completely. But Salvador Mundi, is so simple, just really a portrait. It is beguiling how he made it so interesting.
Agree, a chiaroscuro's perfect composition.
Wow I got goosebumps! I can’t believe you wrote a book, so happy for you. Can’t wait to read it. ❤️
S ve A kardeşim
Kudos on the book. I will be ordering one myself.
DaVinci’s most magnificent thing he ever invented was the concept of the mad-scientist, him.
yup, kanye knows it well
One could argue the mountains represent the Father creator watching over the scene. The Ancient of Days.
YOU'RE BACK!!!! every time, every time NERDWRITER drop a video i get so excited like a kid XD
If I was Christie's I would hire the nerdwriter for every auction presentation
I'm couldn't be anything further from an art expert but honest to god, when I watch vids by this guy (especially with this topic on Da Vinci) I think I get the same high that conspiracy theorists get searching the internet. Blows my mind. The genius of Leo. Incredible.
When I was asked what I first noticed, it was the love of the mother. The whole of the painting indicated unmitigated love. This painting seems to me to be an exploration of Spirit (of the Holy Trinity) as it expresses.
Even if I came aware of the Nerdwriter's work through his videos on movies, I really enjoy his takes on paintings. It makes you value the craft on different levels. Congratulations on the upcoming book!
Hey Nerdwriter, Thanks for the video. Its a gift for me on the occasion of Tihar, a festival of lights and happiness in Nepal. Happy Tihar to you nerd.
Leonardo da Vinci is just such an endlessly fascinating character I never pass up an opportunity to watch a video or doc of him just to find out more detail.
This made my eyes water. I never thought an explanation of a painting while looking at it could be so overwhelming
Incredible. The master at work. And DaVinci’s great too.
This video made me tear up for some reason. Gorgeous work!
I’ve never pre-ordered a book before. This is so exciting! Can’t wait to see what Nerdwriter1 has to say about public benches haha
Your videos have helped change me from someone who likes art into someone who feels art
Leonardo was one of the most talented humans that has ever lived on so many levels. A genius in many areas.
When you feel the ending of the essay coming, suddenly a black screen with the music fading away... goosebumps!
That's amazing. Congratulations on finishing the book. Can't wait to buy it.
no way! i've spent the past 4 months writing a thesis about this exact topic and my presentation of it is tomorrow. the timing is perfect. love your analysis! leonardo's idea of nature as a metaphor for the human body is so fascinating. his paintings really show his affinity for the natural sciences. raphael actually has a painting called the holy family with the lamb which is often cited as a chronological continuation of leonardo's st anne - here the child is climbing onto the lamb, whereas in raphael's painting he's already straddling it. what an astute observation of leonardo to make the child grab the lamb's hand so forcefully with that almost mischievous grin, showing that while he is divine, he's also still a simple, innocent human child and doesn't know what awaits him yet. this made me so happy :D
Happy for your book Evan. Your channel, video essays, and journey are an inspiration for other creators out there.
Well earned, sir.
I'm so happy for you! Been bringing up my Nerdreading (Nerdwriter-watching) to my family as my favorite TH-camr/essayist for years now. Here's hoping you achieve all you deserve and know that you've earned it....but like in a good and joyful way.
Congratulations, Evan! You were one of the first video essayists I've subscribed to at age 16. I'm now 20, and your passion made me appreciate any art on a deeper level, and even improved mine (I'm an amateur screenwriter-director). I've also recently got my first work in the world so seeing you also finally achieving your lifetime goal inspires me and also makes me extremely proud. Keep up the good work, and I'll keep on following your journey!
Never thought a TH-cam video about a piece of art would move me to tears, but here it is. Leonardo is just one of those once-in-a-universe people....
That is perhaps the single most cogent commentary of a painting that I've ever heard, with a beautiful economy of expression, clarity, and composition of its own.
My favorite is the London version of the Virgin of the Rocks
I am so disappointed that TH-cam didn't recommend me this channel before. I am in absolute awe of the quality of your videos. It is a piece of art itself.
….and this is why I’m subscribed to you! This is absolutely brilliant, I’ve had tendencies to gloss over the types of art you’ve presented. I absolutely love the perspective on THIS painting in particular, even kinda awe-inspiring the more I think about it. Keep doing what you’re doing, love the work!
watched you since i was about 13, your videos got me through high school and college. can't wait for the book!
Mate I'm so happy to got the notification you uploaded. great to have you back!
What a timing to open up youtube.
Cheers form 🇷🇴
seeing this notification made me so happy.
Your channel has been one of my favorites for years. Looking forward to the book!
so happy to see you finally writing a book. been following this channel since 2017. and it has really shaped my worldview and i am thankful to you for that
One of my favourite TH-camrs. Watching his videos is not optional
Loved the subtle smile given to Leonardo at the end.
I don’t pre-order things, but for you, I will! I’ve been a fan for so long and it’s amazing to see you experience great success. I remember how you showed me what TH-cam could be, my own (doomed) TH-cam channel I made (full of car sales and motivation tips) and everything else you’ve brought to me.
So, yeah, I preordered. Keep it up man!
I've been a viewer, follower and fan of The Nerdwriter videos for a long time. Due your intelligence, soft-spoken delivery and subject matter. Keep up the great work, and congrats on your book!
Finally, the art videos have returned
The joy of having accomplished a dream of so long is clearly palpable in your face. Couldn't be more excited for you. Many many congratulations and the video is as awesome as ever if not more ^^
just preordered the book !! cant wait and super proud of you !
I hope the book becomes available in my country as soon as possible. ❤️🙏
I am a simple guy I see a nerdwriter video I click it
Him: "What's the first thing you notice?"
Me: "That blue cloak really clashes against the colors of everything else around it."
Him: "The triangle of course"
Me: "... ok?"
That's also a fair observation, and I presume he didn't touch on it because it's both a notable point made by many before and it doesn't necessarily contribute to the narrative he was trying to weave in the essay. Mary was often depicted in blue, which has been said to symbolize her purity and her status (it was a pigment of great value at the time and was a color of Byzantine royalty).
This is because the painting is not in good condition and the blue of the Virgin Mary's robe has been over cleaned, thus removing Leonardo's subtle glazes, so the robe now stands out more than Leonardo intended.
What a wonderful day. As a Brazilian now os lunch time, wich ill do watching this beauty. Thanks
What a beautiful video. I have been watching since I was 15 yrs old, and I am always, somehow, more impressed.
When you were discussing about the painting not being religious but a simple painting of a family my god that was so profound I teared up. Great video!
Leonardo final smirk was a touch of genius!
Absolute perfection, not only in Da Vinci's painting, but also in this video. Superb.
Every time I see Nerdwriter has uploaded 1) I'm stoked but 2) when it's about paintings I'm just plain giddy. His deep dives through Art History make it fun, memorable, and informative
I wish you uploaded videos every week, the way you talk about anything is absolutely mesmerizing.
As always, such a beautiful essay. I can’t say I’ve ever seen this work - at least not that I can remember! At any rate, people with that attention to detail blow my mind…I sometimes wonder if the world is wholly more visually colorful for them than for me.
One thought, though - as a Christian/agnostic (exploring between, aspiring to see like Chesterton) I can attest that “young earth creationism” is not a Christian dogma. Even St. Augustine commented with frustration regarding Christians of the time taking literal biblical interpretation of scientific subject matter, and that in the 4th/5th centuries.
I don’t have my source books with me ATM, but there were a number of other early church fathers as well that advocated for the idea that the seven days of creation were allegorical. Some suggested that each represented a thousand years (an inference drawn from 2 Peter 3:8), but this was not dogmatic.
Today, especially in the Catholic Church, the scientific age of the world and even evolution are widely accepted.
JSYK, in case the (largely fundamentalist) young earth creationists are drowning us out.
Again, thanks for your work, and I look forward to Escape Into Meaning! Congrats on completion!
It was a Catholic Priest who proposed the Big Bang Theory
th-cam.com/video/qym7ZuGdCsU/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TheThomisticInstitute
Well said. Many seem to think science and religion are in conflict. But belief in God is actually a reason to research and investigate how the universe works. Like this we can see into the mind of God and it can even be a source of worship because we can see the stars, the atoms, the diversity of life, the age of everything and just marvel at how creative our God us and how great his love for us truly is. He has created infinitely more beautiful and majestic things than us, yet he chose to give his life for us.
Way to go Voice Guy. Been watching you since Vlog 12. Proud of you on the book :)
In my recent Q&A, I said I always wanted to make a video on why I don't like the Mona Lisa. Great video as always! I'll have to respond to it eventually ;)
Have you read Salvador Dali's essay on why artists mess with the Mona Lisa?
This was brilliant. I have no words. Can’t wait for your book!!
Excited!
Never have I been more excited to hear a youtuber publishing a book. Huge congratulations!!! Looking forward to reading it.
"Good day today, Harry!"
Wow easily my most favourite video of yours! Not even close.
Incredible. Thank you
Yup, this and Lady with an Ermine have always been my favorite Da Vinci paintings.
This is one of the best videos i have ever seen. Will definetly check out your other videos on paintings.
Definitely picking up your book. It's nice to see someone achieve a dream, so I'll support that all the way. I also hope to write a book soon myself, so thanks for the inspiration Nerdwriter.
I totally agree with your opinion on this painting - not just because of the fascinating scientific analysis of his genius, but the fact that, as you have shown, it is rich in symbolism, warmth, colour, beauty…
Man, I haven't see Evan's face in forever. Congrats man! I remember watching episode 1 with that black and white web cam and you mentioned wanting to write a book. It's been a long time since then, but im glad you finally accomplished that goal!
I’m so happy about your book. I can’t wait to read it. I love learning about a multitude of topics- almost anything interests me. I guess that’s why I love this channel too.
I'm so happy to see Evan so happy. Even though I just moved countries and have less money, I'm excited to spend what I do have on the book. I know that I will love it!
That Leo's smile at the end you've made 💪
So happy to see you again Evan!
Amazing work as always! Have been in love with your work for so long! From all the channels that I have visited on youtube, you stand out as the best writer and narrator. Congratulations on your book! Can't wait for what you have in store for us!
I remember entering the room where this is exhibited in the Louvre in 2014 and spotting this from the entrance and it just immediately stood out to me. I approached it, looked at it for a while and was wholly unsurprised to read the sign and find that it is by Leonardo. He really was very good at this.
Congratulations on the book!!! I've been following you for YEARS (I was in your first Q&A, haha!) It seems like a long time coming :-)
Can’t wait to get your book!!!! I’ve been watching your videos for 3+ years. Love from Ethiopia 🇪🇹
the nerdwriter outro lines always give me goosebumps
Congratulations on your book! I’ve watched you since the beginning and have always thought that I’d accept your video essays in my English class, so you moving to writing is such a natural transition for you. I’m beyond thrilled for you. Congratulations!
Congratulations on the book! That's amazing. So excited to read it :)
Congrats on your book dude! This is my first video of yours, but I'm already hyped for you
So exciting! Congratulations and can't wait to read your book Evan!!
Only 12 minutes late, WoW, I went to see the painting, it is alright.
Congratulations on the book!! Can't wait to read it 🙂
You wrote a BOOK!!!! Woot. Congrats. Pre-ordered as soon as you posted the link! *hype*
I’m not sure if it’s serendipity, or coincidence, but I’ve always wanted to write a book, and I actually JUST began the other night after watching your video about Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. You have a wonderful way of describing things in a way that I would like to think everyone can grasp (because I’m no genius, and you make sense of things I would typically shy away from because of their multi-faceted and nuanced nature). Anyway, I’m even more inspired now by the fact that you have written your own book!! I can’t even imagine how surreal that must feel.
Congratulations!!!!!!! I look forward to every one of your uploads; so insightful. Thank you!
I got chills an innumerable amount of times while watching this video. You speak and analyze with such amazing care and love. It’s positively inspiring.
Amazing. Love this one (as always) and I can’t wait to read your book!!! Congratulations
Congratulations! I've enjoyed your channel for years and wish you all the success in the world.
I live in Paris but still haven't went to Louvre (maybe one day), people just rush to Mona Lisa painting at Louvre like crazy just to take a photo. But many of da Vinci's sketches and paintings are not known by lot of people. His sketches about helicopters and mechanical tractor were designed years before it's conception. Lot of people who went there don't know this.
I think problem is people consume art rather than discover it.
I appreciate the explanation of the painting because I'm not one of those people that can make those connections in paintings for some reason. They just all look like one complete thing to me.