Blackberries
Leonardo made several studies of branches of blackberry, possibly in connection with his painting of Leda and the swan. While they capture the vigorous nature of the bramble’s growth, they are also highly detailed, drawn with a sharpened piece of natural red chalk.
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
A sprig of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) c.1505-10
Red chalk with touches of pen and ink | 9.0 x 6.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912425
