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LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)

Three emblems

c.1506-10

RCIN 912701

As a court artist to the French occupiers of Milan, Leonardo designed several personal emblems on the theme of constancy. The top emblem here depicts a plough with the words hostinato rigore (‘obstinate rigour’). The next shows a compass set upon a continuously turning waterwheel, its needle however remaining fixed upon a star. The final emblem shows a candle in a lantern remaining alight despite being blown from all directions.
  • stamp, ER VII, crowned, in oval: Lugt 901


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