Leonardo da Vinci
Today is Leonardo da Vinci's birthday—this genius was born on this day in 1452. To celebrate, it was named World Art Day, which means that we’re celebrating creativity with a special sale! Enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on our stunning print of Lady with an Ermine and special savings on our online course, The Art of Renaissance Florence, in which you’ll learn everything about the great master Leonardo and his world. Because art deserves to be shared. Don’t miss out!
This beautiful image was fully revealed in 2005; the verso of this sheet has a gray-brown ink inscription, ".T.," which closely resembles the markings found on Leonardo’s drawings and manuscripts. The recto features a study for the head of the Virgin, whose attribution to Leonardo has sometimes been questioned, possibly due to its extraordinary beauty, which has led some scholars to view it with suspicion.
Scientific analyses conducted in 2002 and 2003 demonstrated that this drawing employs an almost seamless sfumato technique, with a remarkably homogeneous application of red and black chalk. Extensive, unified left-handed strokes are visible in the intermediate shadows, discernible not only under magnification but also to the naked eye. Laboratory examinations by paper conservators, along with microphotographic details, confirm these findings.
This study is closely related to the final design of Leonardo’s oil painting, Virgin and Child with Saint Anne. Although the Metropolitan Museum’s drawing has suffered slight abrasions, its delicate surface still allows viewers to appreciate the atmospheric dissolution of the Virgin’s relief-like forms, showcasing Leonardo’s technical virtuosity. Beautiful, isn't it?
P.S. Leonardo is known for his exquisite paintings. Did you know that Leonardo was also a caricature artist?! His crazy drawings might surprise you!