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 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