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A stunning range of drawings by the Italian polymath go on display
Image: A male nude c.1504-5. Red chalk
Undoubtedly one of the most diversely talented men in history, Leonardo da Vinci boasts a collection of admirable titles. Painter, sculptor, inventor, mathematician, scientist; the list goes on and on. It is this vast collection of skills that have influenced the hand picked selection of drawings, some of which date back to 1490, that make their debut at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle from Saturday 13th February.
The exhibition promises to give us an intimate look into the processes behind some of da Vinci’s most famous works. Two of the selected pieces are sketches that are believed to be a study for his famous painting Madonna And Child With St. Anne And A Lamb, which is currently housed alongside Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Paris.
Other selections, such as A Male Nude and Studies Of An Infant’s Limbs, provide detailed depictions of Leonardo’s interest in human anatomy, whilst sketches of horses, cats, lions and even dragons display his fascination with the movement of animals. We are even to be treated to da Vinci’s scientific prowess, through his sketches of the River Arno, demonstrating his expertise in the area of hydraulic engineering.
The Laing is the first institution to receive these invaluable works, which have been selected as some of the finest out of a catalogue of almost 600, housed within the Royal Collection.
This is truly a rare opportunity for many to witness the precious and priceless works of Leonardo da Vinci, and as they’re right on our doorstep, there’s no excuse not to.
