LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study for a Madonna of the Cat Leadpoint reworked with pen and brown ink About 1478–1480 Musée Bonnat-Helleu, Bayonne, inv. 152 Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Studies for a Madonna of the Cat; Profiles Leadpoint reworked with pen and brown ink About 1478–1480 The British Museum, London, inv. 1860,0616.98 0 36 0 35 The magnificent Madonna of the Cat studies are probably also related to Leonardo’s project of 1478 for two Virgin Marys.They feature variations on the theme of Jesus playing with a cat, sometimes in an affectionate and sometimes in a fearful manner. In the most accomplished sheets in the series, the cat – a symbol of Evil – is depic- ted trying to break free of the Child’s embrace.