Leonardo and Sprezzatura

Although Leonardo flourished in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, before the style of sprezzatura was very widespread, he was essential in beginning to depict it. His Theory of Decorum stated that the gestures that a figure makes must show his feelings and be appropriate to age, rank and position. "Observe Decorum, that is to say the suitability of action, dress, setting and circumstances to the dignity or lowliness of the things which you wish to present....Let the movements of an old man not be like those of a youth, nor those of a woman like those of a man, nor those of a man like those of a child." His theory indicates a conscious, deliberate act. In painted figures, as in human beings, all actions must fit the situation and the audience. His Last Supper is an illustration of the careful gestures. Although Leonardo carefully planned each reaction, correlating it to its appropriate figure, the effect is not obvious. Each movement seems natural and fitting.