Searching for meaning in chaos

Abstract

Ever since in the late fifteenth century Leonardo da Vinci tried to impart to fellow artists and students the concept of searching for inspiration in natural elements such as textures, patterns and even dirt on walls, in streets and in the environment, the accidentally-found mark has established itself as a starting point for the creation of works of art, many times of outstanding quality. Leonardo’s belief of searching for meaning in chaos has proved to be instrumental for the production of the well-known billowing clouds of Mantegna, the gnarled rocks by Bellini and the numerous studies of nature and drapery by such masters as Dürer, Constable and Turner to name only a few.