LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study for Saint Sebastian Metalpoint, pen and brown ink About 1478–1482 Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, inv. 21489 Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study of a Maiden with a Unicorn Pen and brown ink About 1478–1480 The purpose of this drawing is unknown. According to legend, the unicorn – a symbol of chastity – could only be approached by a virgin girl. Its association with portraits of young women is why this drawing has been interpreted as a first compositional idea for the reverse side of Ginevra de’ Benci’s portrait, but the style is more reminiscent of Leonardo’s work from 1478–1480. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, inv. WA 1855.83.1 0 43 0 44