Set of two lithographic prints comprising:
lithographic print of drawing by Leonardo da Vinci entitled The Head of St James in the Last Supper, and architectural sketches, originally drawn c.1485
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 study of St James for The Last Supper 1495 -1485, refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan. In the final painting Leonardo has transformed the youth seen here, into an older man with a beard. Probably a quick sketch drawn from life with the addition of three architectural studies depicting a corner bastion and a plan of the same. The diversity of these sketches suggest that this is an informal work study.
Print size inches: 6.8 x 9.7 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