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Description: | A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of two drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. In both sketches, the figure of the Madonna is holding a child, who is in turn holding an animal, possibly a cat. In the top drawing on the page, another face is visible beside that of Mary. In the bottom drawing, Mary is smiling down at the infant Jesus. Both drawings are framed by a loosely sketched arch shape.
Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society:
"3, 4.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
(b. 1452; d. 1519)
SKETCHES (OBVERSE AND REVERSE) FOR THE 'MADONNA DEL GATTO'
British Museum, 1856. 6. 21. 1. From the A. C. Poggi (L. 617) and Poccetti (L. 2057) Collections. Pen and wash. 13.3 x 9.7 cm. (5 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.).
In the year 1478 Leonardo began two pictures of the Virgin Mary. One of these has been identified with the Madonna del Fiore, preserved in the damaged condition in Petrograd; the second the 'Madonna del Gatto', has been lost. Closely allied studies for both pictures are preserved in London, Paris, Florence, and in the Bonnat Collection. In the two sketches, here reproduced, No. 4, with indication of a window in the background, is so close in conception to the 'Madonna del Fiore' that it may be considered as a study in the evolution of both these early pictures alike. In the drawing No. 3, which is in part traced through, Leonardo is striving to break with the formality of design of the Petrograd picture, and the simple interrelation of the mother and child of the Madonna del Fiore is replaced by greater movement and a more complex and rhythmic sense of line and mass.
C. R."
Technique: REPRODUCTION
Reproduction by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, Sketches for the 'Madonna del Gatto' (LC 1131/3).
Reproduction by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, Sketches for the 'Madonna del Gatto' (LC 1131/4). | Source: | Manchester City Galleries | Identifier: | mcag.emu.ecatalogue.105368 | Go to resource |
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