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1 of 253523 objects
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Two studies of a standing male nude c.1490
Metalpoint, white heightening, on blue-grey prepared paper | 17.7 x 14.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912637
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A study of a nude man standing, seen from behind, with his left arm stretched down and his right arm not shown; the left arm and shoulder have been very carefully modelled. To the right is another study, seen from the waist down, in profile to the left; the right leg is not shown. The waist, hip, and thigh have been carefully modelled.
These figure studies from a posed model are the sort of studio exercise that would have been common to any ambitious artist in the Renaissance – intended to hone the artist’s draughtsmanship, observational skills and knowledge of human form. Leonardo prepared the paper with a coloured ground so that he could draw with metalpoint for the outlines and shading, and with a brush add highlights in liquid lead white.
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
Metalpoint, white heightening, on blue-grey prepared paper
Measurements
17.7 x 14.0 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 12637
