Sunday, June 15, 2008

A rocky ravine

c.1475-80

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Probably acquired by Charles II; Royal Collection by 1690


This drawing of a ravine may appear fanciful at first sight, an impression not helped by the disproportionately large ducks or swans. But in fact Leonardo has carefully recorded a type of rock formation found in the Arno valley south-east of Florence, caused by the erosion of sandstone into tall jagged pillars.




Pen and ink

22 x 15.8 cm

RL 12395