Recto: a study of a horse, full length, moving in profile to the right, and two studies of horses moving to the right, seen in three-quarter view from the rear. Verso: a study of a horse in profile to the left, and an equestrian figure riding in profile to the right; the rider has his right arm outstretched behind, and a fluttering cloak. Melzi's number 89.

While working in France, Leonardo made designs towards an equestrian monument, probably for King Francis I. Here he studies the form of the pacing horse. The upper study shows the horse in strict profile, but below are two oblique views from behind with the neck twisted in opposite directions, examining the effect of turning the horse’s head towards or away from the raised foreleg. The rectangular outline of the pedestal demonstrates that Leonardo had the requirements of a sculpture in his mind, and was not simply playing a game of variations on the outline of the horse.

Along with the studies of the whole monument, Leonardo made a series of detailed studies of the anatomy of the horse, in the walking pose planned for the sculpture. Some of these are formally laid out, such as RCIN 912303, studying the chest and forelegs with the right leg raised, and the rear of the horse; comparison with the same aspect in RCIN 912290 reveals how Leonardo’s equine ideal had evolved since the Sforza horse, for the animal here is much more heavily built.

Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, London, 2018