LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Studies for a Saint Mary Magdalene Pen and brown ink About 1478–1480 The purpose of this composition is also unknown. The saint is depicted in a dynamic pose, opening her perfume vase.The studies evoke the meal at the house of Simon the Pharisee, when Mary Magdalene anointed Christ’s feet with oil, and the Entombment, when she held a perfume vase. The Courtauld Gallery, London, inv. D.1978.PG.80 Leonardo da VINCI Vinci, 1452–Amboise, 1519 Study for an Adoration of the Shepherds Black chalk or leadpoint reworked with pen and brown ink About 1478–1480 Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice, inv. 256 0 45 0 46 Several studies by Leonardo for an Adoration of the Shepherds have survived. According to some art historians, they could be traces of an initial project for the main altar of the church of San Donato in Scopeto in Florence, before the artist decided to paint an Adoration of the Magi. Others see them as preparatory sketches for an altarpiece commissioned from Leonardo in January 1478 for the chapel of San Bernardo in the Palazzo della Signoria – a work he seems never to have started.