-
1 of 253523 objects
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Three emblems c.1508-10
Pen and ink, blue bodycolour, wash of ground red chalk(?) | 26.9 x 19.5 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912701
-
Three drawings of emblems, the first contained within an oval and the others set within circles: at the top is a plough, with the motto ‘Obstinate rigour’. At the centre is a compass being turned by a waterwheel, but keeping its needle pointing steadily at a sun sun containing three fleurs-de-lys, the symbol of the French king; in the margin is the motto ‘He is not turned around, who has such a fixed star’. Below is a candle blown by eight winds and yet remaining steady.
While working for the occupying French court in Milan, Leonardo seems to have designed these emblems for a courtier to express his steadfast devotion to King Louis XII. Each emblem has the theme of constancy.
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
-
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Pen and ink, blue bodycolour, wash of ground red chalk(?)
Measurements
26.9 x 19.5 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Subject(s)
