Leonardo at the Queen's Palace... (Part I)

4:55 p.m.

06/19/19 - As this year marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci's death (Italy, 1452 – France, 1519), exhibitions in his honor are being held all over the world. The Buckingham Palace is currently presenting "Leonardo Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing" with artworks belonging to the Queen's collection (probably the most complete one). A banner in the gallery explains that with these 200 drawings we will be able to dive into the Masters' magical mind. On display we see sketches for many of his greatest projects plus handwritten notes. All this material comes from a 550-pages album given by Leonardo to his favorite disciple and later acquired by the English Monarchy in the 17th Century. The drawings were framed and protected by glass, which makes it difficult to photograph.

Apart from the sketches of his most renown works, there's also other personal drawings, like the portrait of a woman that's a perfect example of the Master's skill.

A Portrait of a woman in profile, by Leonardo da Vinci (c.1485-90)

Technique: metalpont on cream prepared paper

For the "Virgin of the Rocks", commissioned in 1483 for a Church in Milan, Leonardo did a first version that was not delivered (for unknown reasons) and which can be seen today at the Louvre Museum. The second version is from 1490 and now belongs to London's National Gallery. Below you'll find the draperies of one of the figures and some details of the stones.

A drapery of a kneeling figure, by Leonardo da Vinci

Technique: brush and black ink

A ravine, by Leonardo da Vinci

Technique: pen and ink

For The Last Supper, commissioned by Ludovico Sforza for the Monastery of Santa Maria della Grazie, Leonardo used all his skill to portray the emotion of Christ's disciples as he announces his future death. The fresco was finished in 1498 although it quickly deteriorated and what we see today is barely a glimpse of the artist's creation.