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Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Recto: The lumbar plexus. Verso: The veins of the pelvic and lumbar region c.1508

Pen and ink over black chalk | 19.0 x 14.1 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 919023

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  • A folio from Leonardo's 'Anatomical Manuscript B'.

    Recto: a drawing of the lumbar plexus and its peripheral distribution; the nerves and the spinal column.

    Verso: The left iliac vein and tributaries: to the left, details of the subcostal veins and the formation of the azygos system; notes on the anatomical drawings and a list of anatomical representations either done or to be done by Leonardo. The principal drawing shows the lumbar region of the vertebral column from the front, with the sacrum and pelvic girdle lightly indicated, and the last thoracic vertebra with ribs attached. Leonardo has drawn six lumbar vertebrae; though the note at top left gives the correct number in humans (five), six are usually present in horses, oxen and pigs, all of which were dissected by Leonardo. The obturator foramen (one of the pair of holes towards the front of the pelvis) is relatively small and round, which may also indicate an animal subject. The drawing, as usual, should probably be read as a synthesis of several dissections, both human and animal.

    The focus of attention is an excellent depiction of the venous system. The left common iliac vein passes obliquely across the last lumbar vertebra and is shown splitting into three. The ascending lumbar vein passes alongside the spine to enter the thorax, where it is continuous with the hemiazygos vein and takes in the three lower posterior intercostal veins, as Leonardo has indicated in the detail at upper left. Tributaries from the external venous plexus are also shown on the anterior surface of the vertebrae. The internal iliac vein travels downwards in front of the sacrum, with many small tributary veins indicated, including what appears to be a double obturator vein passing through the obturator foramen (alternatively Leonardo may have mistaken the obturator artery for a second vein). The external iliac vein passes diagonally towards the leg, leaving the pelvis to split into the femoral vein and great saphenous vein at the lower right of the drawing.

    Text from M. Clayton and R. Philo, Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist, London 2012
    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

  • Medium and techniques

    Pen and ink over black chalk

    Measurements

    19.0 x 14.1 cm (sheet of paper)

    Markings

    watermark: Partial A


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