A mask in the form of a human face c.1496
Pen and ink | 6.7 x 6.8 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 912589
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A drawing of a mask with strings for attachment, seen in profile to the right. There is an oval and a spiral form drawn on the verso.
This fragment was cut (probably by Francesco Melzi) from larger sheets of studies by Leonardo. The mask is probably a costume study for a performance of Baldassare Taccone's play Danaë, held in Milan on 31 January 1496, for which Leonardo designed the stage set and costumes.
Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: the Divine and the GrotesqueProvenance
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
Measurements
6.7 x 6.8 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)