Studies of an Infant
Drawing by Leonardo da Vinci / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Studies of an Infant is a set of eight red chalk drawings on red ochre-prepared paper by Leonardo da Vinci, housed in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice. These are representations of all or part of the body of a very young child, considered to be preparatory studies for the Infant Jesus in the oil painting The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne in the Louvre.
Studies of an Infant | |
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Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
Year | 1502–1503 |
Dimensions | 28.5 cm × 19.8 cm (11.2 in × 7.8 in) |
Location | Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice, Italy |
Probably produced around 1502–1503, although some researchers put the date back to between 1508 and 1511, this set belongs to a group of studies that enabled the painter to create the draft for the painting at the same period. In particular, the sheet is similar to two other studies of the Infant using an identical technique known as "red on red".
The Florentine master reveals the full extent of his knowledge of anatomy, physiology and physics. In addition, some parts of the work feature a graphic technique so applied that it has contributed to casting doubt on the work's autograph character.