Leonardo da Vinci
We all know that Leonardo da Vinci was a genius; just look at today's study!
In 1503, the Florentine government commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to paint a massive painting, The Battle of Anghiari, in the Great Council Chamber of the Palazzo della Signoria. The work remained unfinished, however, when Leonardo was called back to Milan in 1506; it was ultimately obliterated 50 years later. Leonardo meticulously prepared for this project, creating numerous studies of men and horses in a wide variety of poses, focusing intently on their anatomy. The study depicts a rearing horse with its head thrown back in at least three different positions and legs drawn repeatedly to convey a sense of thrashing movement. A tangle of lines suggests a rider, possibly raising his right arm to strike a blow. Below the main drawing is a small pen sketch of a horse, its body twisted strongly backward.
Fantastic!
P.S. Did you know that the Signoria ordered a companion piece placed on the opposite wall showing The Battle of Cascina from Michelangelo? They knew that Michelangelo disliked Leonardo and decided to exploit their feud. Learn more in our online course The Art of the Renaissance Florence!
P.P.S. Leonardo was said to be notoriously slow to complete his commissions. This is one of the reasons why so many of Leonardo's works are unfinished! Test yourself in a Leonardo da Vinci QUIZ!