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Glite Dictionary
Leonardesque

Leonardesque

9.9
Art like Leonardo da Vinci's shows careful study and soft light
  • adjective
  • /ˌlɛəˈnɑrdɛsk/
: leonardesco
  • Her Leonardesque sketches displayed mastery of both anatomy and mechanical invention.

Examples

  • Critics praised the exhibition for its Leonardesque blend of artistry and scientific curiosity.

  • The artist's use of light and shadow created a Leonardesque effect reminiscent of da Vinci's work.

  • The artist's use of sfumato technique gives his paintings a distinctly Leonardesque quality.

  • The painting has a Leonardesque quality that captivates viewers.

  • She created a Leonardesque sculpture that echoes the Renaissance style.

  • Her Leonardesque approach to portraiture emphasized both beauty and the intricacies of human emotion.

  • Critics noted that the film's storytelling had a Leonardesque depth, merging art with science.

Surface Forms

Leonardesque positive

Morphology

Leonardesque = Leonardo (transparent) = Leonardo + esque

Formed from the proper name 'Leonardo' plus the productive adjectival suffix '-esque' meaning 'in the style of', so the sense is directly derivable.

Etymology

Leonardesque comes from the name Leonardo, as in da Vinci, combined with the ending -esque, which means 'in the style of' and appears in words like picturesque. So something Leonardesque looks or feels like Leonardo da Vinci's work, with soft shadows, careful study of nature, and creative inventions.