Motifs from Leonardo da Vinci's paintings in Andrei Tarkovsky's film "The Sacrifice": towards the logic of reflections

Abstract

The purpose of the following material is to explicate the meanings of Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Adoration of the Magi," which were incorporated by director Andrei Tarkovsky into his final film, "The Sacrifice" (1986). The author demonstrates that one of the key features of this work is the way in which the thoughts and actions of the protagonist, Alexander, are referenced to the painting by the great Italian artist. Using the trichotomy of medimness, mystery, and iconicity (R. Liano), the author seeks to demonstrate the logic of reflections on the plot of "The Adoration of the Magi" and the dramaturgy of "The Sacrifice." Thus, the dry tree serves as the central symbol and mystery of the family's rebirth, while the house and the maidservant, Maria, act as mediators, and Leonardo's masterpiece acts as an icon that serves as a spiritual reference. The outcome of this logic of reflections is the triumph of the principle of sacrifice, which is portrayed by A. A. Tarkovsky with exceptional artistic intensity.