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1 of 253523 objects
Recto: Studies of water, and a seated old man. Verso: Architectural studies c.1512-13
Recto: Pen and ink. Verso: Red chalk | 15.2 x 21.3 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912579
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Recto: Studies of water, and a seated old man. Verso: Architectural studies c.1512-13
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Recto: Studies of water, and a seated old man. Verso: Architectural studies c.1512-13
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On this sheet Leonardo studies the flow of water past an obstacle, exemplifying his uncanny ability to fix a momentary impression in his mind and capture it on paper with absolute conviction. In his notes he compares the swirling water to plaited hair. The bearded old man seated on a rocky outcrop appears to be gazing at the flows of water, but this is illusory, as the sheet was folded when the drawings were made. Melzi's number 57.
The movement of water haunts Leonardo’s work in many fields. In his landscapes it is a symbol of natural processes over unconscionable timespans; in his civil engineering it is a powerful but tractable adversary; and in his scientific studies it is a pure element, responding perfectly to external forces in a manner that can be observed and analysed.
The architectural studies on the reverse of the sheet are probably connected to Leonardo's work at Villa Melzi.
Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci, A life in drawing, London, 2018Provenance
Bequeathed to Francesco Melzi; from whose heirs purchased by Pompeo Leoni, c.1582-90; Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, by 1630; probably acquired by Charles II; Royal Collection by 1690
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Recto: Pen and ink. Verso: Red chalk
Measurements
15.2 x 21.3 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 12579Alternative title(s)
A seated old man, and studies and notes on the movement of water. Verso: Architectural studies