Sala delle Asse, detail of Monochrome during the restoration (2012-2015) (1498 ca) by Leonardo da VinciSforzesco Castle
The so-called Monochrome ingeniously framed the large mouth of the fireplace in the north corner of the Sala delle Asse at the time of Duke Ludovico Maria Sforza, known as il Moro.
It is a portion of the preparatory drawing made by Leonardo for the large decorative project of the room. It was in all probability the fall of the duchy in 1499 and the subsequent arrival of the French troops that forced Leonardo to interrupt the work, leaving part of the walls without polychromy and with the preparatory drawing in sight.
Sala delle Asse, detail of Monochrome during the restoration (2012-2015) (1498 ca) by Leonardo Da VinciSforzesco Castle
Da Vinci’s high level of chiaroscuro finish in some places is striking. The charcoal sketch was then finished with ocher-based pigments applied with a paintbrush, giving rise to the name Monochrome. The design depicts the strong roots of a mulberry tree that creep into the ground and burst through rocks and square-shaped boulders with explosive strength.
Da Vinci’s research and reflections on the theme of nature shine through in the preparatory drawing.
The powerful roots vigorously penetrate the soil and the fissure of the rocks, revealing the force of nature.
Da Vinci pays surprising attention to realism in his drawing of the undergrowth plants, including the botanical details of cuckoo-pint berries (Aurum maculatum) and a bearded iris (Iris germanica).
Sala delle Asse, detail of Monochrome (1498 ca) by Leonardo Da VinciSforzesco Castle
On the north-west wall, the Monochrome section continues with an arrangement of foreshortened rocks, which almost suggest that a section of the wall is in perspective.
Sala delle Asse, detail of preparatory drawing of branches and leaves (1498 ca) by Leonardo Da VinciSforzesco Castle
Recent restoration work has uncovered new, extraordinary outlines of the preparatory drawing beneath several layers of lime on the room’s walls.
Created with the same monochrome technique, the images show the trunks of mulberry trees with shoots, knots, branches, and leaves.
Behind the mighty mulberry trees in the foreground, on the horizon is the hilly profile of a small area of landscape.
Sala delle Asse, ongoing restoration (2019) (1498 ca) by Leonardo da VinciSforzesco Castle
These recent discoveries have led many to reconsider da Vinci’s decorative project as a gigantic pergola where, behind the trunks of mulberry trees in the foreground, the territory of Ludovico il Moro stretches as far as the eye can see under a vast blue sky.
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Sala delle Asse - Art Camera Behind the ScenesSforzesco Castle
