Leonardo da Vinci: Landscapes, Plants, and Water Studies

Landscapes, Plants and Water Studies

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was fascinated by the current and eddy of water. Thus he occupied himself with this theme in detail. His natural-scientific-physical observations were recorded in masterful, fine drawings, which are both an expression of his inquisitiveness and his great draftsmanship. These famous water studies are only one aspect of the broad spectrum of themes, which are presented in the compendium at hand.

The Fascination of Nature

This wonderful eddy of the water, which Leonardo studied in detail and skillfully recorded, is accompanied by atmospheric landscapes that are both geographically and geologically exact, by studies of rocks, and drawings of various bodies of water. The drawings of plants, of fine grasses and lovely flowers, characteristic leaves, and rare fruits are an additional thematic area. The natural scientist recorded the botany of his home in impressive drawings.

A Passionate Observer and Draftsman

The best of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawn work is on display in the selection of drawings of natural phenomenon from the Queen’s Collection in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. Two sides of the universal genius were combined here: his masterful draftsmanship and his passion as a natural scientist, his passion for natural phenomena.

A Diverse Range of Themes

The precious pages give an overview of Leonardo’s multifaceted drawing techniques, ink, charcoal, and silverpoint are represented here. They are chronologically ordered and divided into 10 categories: the early studies, narrative landscapes, charcoal sketches of mountains, plant studies for Leda and the Swan, studies from the so-called red series (named after the red paper on which the sanguine drawings were recorded), water studies, the series about the Adda River, symbolic landscapes and bodies of water.