
The exhibition
The selection of works focuses on the body and clearly demonstrates Leonardo’s use of drawing to gain an unrivalled understanding of human anatomy. The exhibition includes anatomical studies, caricatures, idealised male and female bodies, drapery, figures in action and studies of an infant and foetus. The selection demonstrates the variety of techniques he used, from pen and ink and watercolour to red and black chalks and metal point, as well as his mastery in depicting ideal and grotesque physical features. Alongside the exhibition we will show a selection of works from our collection, reflecting on the depiction of the body in art.
Royal Collection drawings on display:
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
The head of a youth in profile
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Sketches of a woman, bust length
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
A nude youth as St John the Baptist
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Two grotesque profiles
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
A standing male nude
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Studies of a baby
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Recto: Studies of figures in action. Verso: Studies of figures in action
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
The major organs and vessels
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
A woman in a landscape
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
The arm of St Peter
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
Recto: The foetus, and the muscles attached to the pelvis. Verso: Studies of the foetus, related internal organs, and the arm
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)