LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Infrared reflectogram of The Virgin and Child, known as the Virgin of the Yarnwinder or the Lansdowne Madonna, by Leonardo da Vinci and his workshop Oil on panel. About 1501–1510 (?) National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh The reflectograms show the evolution of the composi- tion’s form and imagery. Leonardo began by drawing a narrative scene from the life of the Holy Family, who found refuge in Egypt after their flight from the Holy Land. But as the work progressed, he gradually elimi- nated the non-essential details to focus on the figures’ inner states as they confront the Christ Child’s destiny as Saviour of the world. © Edinburgh, National Galleries of Scotland, 138