The artwork, titled “Leonardo da Vinci,” was created by artist Howard Finster in 1991. It belongs to the Art Brut movement and is classified as a portrait.
The artwork depicts a stylized portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci. The figure in the portrait is adorned with a red hat and features a long, flowing black hairstyle. The facial expression appears contemplative, with distinct black outlines emphasizing the facial features. The clothing in the portrait includes a green garment with an orange shawl draped over the shoulders. The background is neutral, allowing the figure to stand prominently. Notably, the artwork contains handwritten text at the bottom, which speaks of Leonardo da Vinci’s historical significance and a plea for world peace, a common thematic element in Finster’s work. The combination of bright colors, bold outlines, and textual elements are characteristic of Howard Finster’s unique and eccentric style within the Art Brut movement.
