LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study for Saint Anne: Drapery of the Virgin Black chalk and grey wash heightened with white About 1507–1510 This drawing by Leonardo shows the Virgin’s drapery arranged to create a large curve, with billowing folds around her waist and back that heighten the impression of movement and convey a sense of her emotion. The infrared reflectogram shows that Leonardo began by transferring this new design to the painting before finally opting for another solution.This drapery study represents a peak in Leonardo’s technical mastery of painting. Department of Prints and Drawings, Musée du Louvre, Paris, Inv. 2257 Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study for Saint Anne: Drapery of Saint Anne Black chalk heightened with white on buff paper About 1516–1519 This final sketch, drawn on paper bearing a French watermark, dates from the period when Leonardo was living in Amboise. It attests to the fact that he continued to work on Saint Anne until his dying day – in this case, by studying the fall of the folds of the saint’s dress. He died before this new idea could be transferred to the painting, which remained unfinished, with only a few lines painted in lapis lazuli in this section. The Royal Collection, Windsor, RL 12527, loaned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 169 170