7F Studies for the head of Leda

The drawing is unanimously recognized as one of the finest and most important of Michelangelo’s entire graphic production. The bowed head, portrayed in profile, is reminiscent of the pose of the figure of Night in the New Sacristy, and displays a splendid sureness of touch made vibrant by the obvious fact that it was drawn from life. Scholars are in agreement in referring the drawing to the Leda, the lost painting commissioned by Alfonso d’Este, duke of Ferrara.