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1 of 253523 objects
A star-of-Bethlehem and other plants c.1506-12
Red chalk, pen and ink | 19.8 x 16.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912424
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The focus of this drawing is a clump of star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum L.), whose swirling leaves are seen in the studies for the kneeling Leda and in most copies of the painting, where it softens the edge of the rock on which the swan stands (the same device is seen by the infant Baptist’s legs in the St Anne cartoon, of a similar date).
Flanking the star-of-Bethlehem is wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa L.), and below is sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia L.) with details of its seedheads. Although the star-of-Bethlehem is somewhat stylised, the blades of grass growing untidily among and behind the anemones suggest that Leonardo observed these plants in the wild. Melzi's number 130.
Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, London, 2018Provenance
Bequeathed to Francesco Melzi; from whose heirs purchased by Pompeo Leoni, c.1582-90; Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, by 1630; probably acquired by Charles II; Royal Collection by 1690
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Red chalk, pen and ink
Measurements
19.8 x 16.0 cm (sheet of paper)
Markings
watermark: Bull's head [-]
Other number(s)
RL 12424Alternative title(s)
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia)
Featured in
ExhibitionAmazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Drawings illustrating the development of European knowledge
ExhibitionLeonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing: Nationwide
A nationwide exhibition of drawings to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death