"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding." A gallery in honor of Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci. Presenting hand drawn creations of Leonardo's personal study of human anatomy, as well as stereotypical human qualities of their generation. This gallery specifically focuses on Leonardo's personal hand drawn creations.
Superficial anatomy of the shoulder and neck (recto), Leonardo da Vinci, c.1510, From the collection of: Royal Collection Trust, UK
A personal study dedicated to the understanding of human's upper body muscle structure. This iteration having both drawn creations and notes backing each drawing proving facts among theories made in these creations. In the top right corner of the image there an example of Leonardo's 'thread model'. This iteration perceived muscles as single cords against the bone, giving an internal structure to muscle diameter.
Leonardo da Vinci, Bust of a warrior in profile, a silverpoint drawing, 1475/1480, From the collection of: British Museum
In study of Leonardo's teacher, Andrea Verrocchio, an incredibly detailed image outlining the ability at this man's disposal. The amount of patience required to outline details such as individual strains of hair among other as well as the perfectly outlined armour presents more reason on the amount of talent this individual withheld This was created using a metalpoint, specifically used to train apprentice artist' teaching patience and discipline.
Leonardo da Vinci, The Abdomen and Leg of a Man, a drawing, 1506/1510, From the collection of: British Museum
This is the study of the left side of a nude adult man showing increased knowledge of human anatomy. It was believed that Leonardo dissected a human prior to his creations due to the extensive detail in muscle structure. Leonardo's detail of muscle is shown through skin meaning Leonardo was able to draw from perspectives in layers. Meaning he was able to begin drawing from the bone to muscle and finally skin.
recto: Study for the Head of a Soldier in the Battle of Anghiari, Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1504–1505, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Another study which originated to be presented in the Hall of the Grand Council in Florence for the deteriorated Battle of Anghiari mural. During development, constant interruptions caused Leonardo to withhold finishing this creation but during this process, developed a oil based technique for wall painting which led this creation to be one of the principal sights in Florence. Extensive detail and consistency regarding this method exploits incredible detail among facial features. Skin being given a high quality texture with eyes, nose and mouth showing a form of emotion.
Half-Length Figure of an Apostle, 1493-1495, Leonardo da Vinci, 1493-1595, From the collection of: Albertina Museum
Another creation of metal point exploiting incredible detail within every aspect of this piece. Beginning with the face, we have continued to see high detail in hair quality; in this circumstance age is clearly depicted. Clothing is highly detailed showing forms of age with the roughness and multiple colored textures.
Another drawing in search of greater knowledge. Only using ink and chalk Leonardo has drawn three separate babies and lambs each in their own position. It can be proven that these drawings were a form of test, in attempt to properly draw the process of a child using the lamb's leverage to stand. Notes is another common theme seen at the top and faded at the bottom. These highly detailed drawings focus on the accurately drawn lines depicting the size of both the baby and the lamb as well as minor details such as hands and feet.
Caricature of a Man with Bushy Hair, Leonardo da Vinci, about 1495, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Another hand creation, Leonardo was said to admire anyone whom came across as rather unique, specifically visual differences. Extreme detail is again seen within the hair face and clothes, exploiting a vast head of hair. Age and complexity within facial expressions as well as clothing by showing buttons around the collar and the ties in between the chest.
Study of Two Warriors' Heads for the Battle of Anghiari, Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1504–1505, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Another study to be presented in the Hall of the Grand Council in Florence for the deteriorated Battle of Anghiari mural. This outlines consistency towards this creation and amount of research and practice needed in order to complete the project. What is assumed to be another trial and error, again using metal point, Leonardo exploits extreme detail in skin texture giving features such as wrinkles much more detail.
Head of Leda, Leonardo da Vinci, c.1504 - c.1506, From the collection of: Royal Collection Trust, UK
A drawing in dedication to the lost painting "Leda and the Swan," using only ink and chalk, Leonardo dedicated extreme detail towards hair and tilt of the head. Again, hair can be seen in layers exploiting vast amounts of curls, attempting to get as humanistic as possible. The tilt of the head using both the eyes and mouth as extensions to show the change. Colored texture within the lips shows width to both the chin and nose.
Sheet of Studies [recto], Leonardo da Vinci, probably 1470/1480, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Ending with what I believe to be the entirety of Leonardo's creative process. This picture outlines multiple aspects, beginning with distance rendering, showing less attention to detail among and stronger outlines of identifying physical features. Next is the back perspective, showing an increased attention to detail among the back of the head and shoulders. Next is the zoom in perspective of the older gentlemen, showing increased age with heavy amounts of wrinkles around the eyes. Finally is the image put together, exploiting each factor from the separate tests in a different way.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
