Leonardo’s approach to drawing was as varied as his interests and he used a variety of techniques. A look at what’s on offer here demonstrates that he was as adept at using metalpoint as he was with pen and ink, brush and ink, and chalk. Each piece is painstakingly intricate, although paradoxically the works appear effortless.
A closer look at some of his drawings reveals how he enjoyed adding the grotesque image of a man’s head, seemingly incongruous, in some corner of an otherwise faultless piece.
The exhibition is not without its lighter moments. A pictograph, which combines objects, symbols and letters to form a puzzle, allows us to see Leonardo’s more playful musings. In one example, the code reads: “What can I do if the woman plucks my heart?”
Being left handed, he preferred to write his notes backwards, from right to left. Though this may render the inscriptions illegible, the museum has supplied mirrors with which to read them - handy if you happen to be well-versed in 15th century Italian.
The drawings have been in the Royal collection since the 17th century and were probably acquired during the reign of Charles II. Due to the damage caused by exposure to light, they can never be on permanent display, and should you not be able to make it to one of the exhibitions, a collection is always on show in the Drawings Gallery at Windsor Castle.
For those unable to make it down to Devon, there will also be chances to view the drawings when the exhibition moves on to Aberdeen Art Gallery, Leeds City Art Gallery and National Museum & Art Gallery, Cardiff.
