Set of two lithographic prints comprising:
lithographic print of drawing by Leonardo da Vinci entitled Studies of a Rearing Horse., originally drawn c.1503
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.A dynamic study in red chalk and pen and sepia c.1503-4. Leonardo made a number of studies of horses for a mural in the Palazzo delle Signoria in Florence depicting the Battle of Anghiari (1440). Only part of the mural, which ultimately did not survive, was completed. The movement in this sketch is demonstrated by the varying positions of the horses legs and head. The cursorily drawn rider adds further to the mood. Below are the faint outlines of smaller drawing of a horse rearing towards the left.
Print size inches: 5.8 x 6.2 together with lithographic print of drawing by Leonardo da Vinci entitled A Woman in a Landscape, 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.Black chalk. Certainly one of Leonardo's last drawings created towards the very end of his life, probably in France where he died in 1519. The content of the sketch shows a young woman standing in a landscape pointing. It was said by Popham that this drawing 'represents the sum of that romantic feeling which underlies Leonardo's work as a painter and draughtsman'.
Print size inches: 5.5 x 8.4