Set of two lithographic prints comprising:
lithographic print of drawing by Leonardo da Vinci entitled Neptune with his Sea-horses., originally drawn c.1504-5
Acquired by Charles II, King England (1630-85). Bequeathed to Francesco Melzi; purchased by Pompeo Leoni, c.1582-90; Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel by 1630 and finally resting with The Royal Collection by 1690.Black chalk on white paper. A study for the drawing of Neptune for his friend Antonio Segni, master of the papal mint. Although highly praised in the sixteenth century, the large finished drawing is now lost and what we see here is a preparatory study. The flowing design and movement is comparable with the Battle of Anghiari on which Leonardo was working at the same time. At the top of the paper is written, in Leonardo's hand a reminder to 'Abasse icchacalli' (lower the horses).
Print size inches: 9.3 x 6.1 together with lithographic print of drawing by Leonardo da Vinci entitled A Deluge or Cloudburst, originally drawn c.1517-18
Acquired by Charles II, King England (1630-85). Bequeathed to Francesco Melzi; purchased by Pompeo Leoni, c.1582-90; Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel by 1630 and finally resting with The Royal Collection by 1690.Pen and black ink with wash. Probably executed during the last couple of years of Leonardo's life, the cataclysmic storm became one of Leonardo's favourite themes both in his drawings and writings. His dramatic execution of The Deluge illustrates his fascination of the destructive force of wind and water on the landscape. The inscription, all but hidden among the clouds at the top, demonstrates his scientific approach of understanding. It reads; 'Of rain. You will show the degrees of falling rain at various distances and of varying degrees of obscurity, and let the darkest part be closest to the middle of its thickness'.
Print size inches: 8.2 x 6.5