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1 of 253523 objects
The Virgin and Child, a child with a cat, and the Holy Children embracing c.1490-1500
Pen and ink over red chalk with touches of wash | 20.2 x 15.1 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912564
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A sheet of four studies: above, the Virgin seated on the ground, facing left, with the Child on her knee; her left arm leans on a ledge on which is another child (presumably the infant Baptist) embracing a cat. At centre left, a child is seated on the ground, playing with a cat; another such to the right; below, the infants Christ and Baptist embracing and kissing.
The three upper studies are stiffly drawn and must be copies or derivations by an associate of Leonardo. The motifs of a child playing with a cat are closely related to several of Leonardo's sheets of c.1480 that seem to be studies for a composition of the Virgin and Child with a cat; no painting is known, though related compositions of the V&C and a lamb, by artists in the circle of Leonardo, suggest that the composition was worked up to some degree. The technique of these drawings, over red chalk outlines, is however later than Leonardo’s sketches of this motif, perhaps of the 1490s.
The lower study of the Holy Children embracing is of considerably higher quality, and it is not impossible that this is by Leonardo himself. The composition is found in several paintings by followers of Leonardo, which must depend on an invention by the artist.Provenance
Bequeathed to Francesco Melzi; from whose heirs purchased by Pompeo Leoni, c.1582-90; Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, by 1630; Probably acquired by Charles II; Royal Collection by 1690
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pen and ink over red chalk with touches of wash
Measurements
20.2 x 15.1 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)