Search results

Start typing

This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)

The head of a bearded man in profile

c.1517-18

RCIN 912553

A drawing of the head of a man turned in profile to the right. He has heavy regular features, a slight beard and thick curly hair. Throughout his career Leonardo made carefully-finished studies of male heads in profile, often without any obvious purpose. Many of these were based on the heads on ancient Roman coins and medals, but here the curled hair shows an interest in elaborate patterning that was typical of Leonardo’s art. Text adapted from 'Leonardo da Vinci: the Divine and the Grotesque'
  • stamp, ER VII, crowned, in oval: Lugt 901
    Fragmentary hand and flower. Type of Briquet's 11159 (Genoa 1483), 11136 (Perpignan 1497), 11164 (Genoa 1493-5), 11163 (Nantes 1490) etc.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.