Leonardo Da Vinci Drawing for the Sforza Monument

1481-82 Leonardo da Vinci went to Milan as painter and engineer to Duke Ludovico Sforza, and to sculpt an equestrian monument of Francesco Sforza, the duke's father. The original drawing A Study from Nature for the Sforza Monument 1490 is in the Royal Library in Winsor Castle c. 1485.

A Horseman (Cavallo) on a rearing horse trampling a fallen foe

In this preparatory drawing for the Sforza Monument Leonardo seems to be portraying the movements of the horse and rider. To the modern eye accustomed to cinematography the multiple contours seem to convey the frantic motions of a cavalryman engaged in battle. But what Leonardo was trying to do was simply establish the best single position for his sculpture!

In Leonardo's words: "Actual motion made with rapid impetus will never obstruct from the eye the object which is behind the body that is moving, providing it is near to the eye and not too much larger than the eye...as happens with the motion of certain instruments worked by women, made for the purpose of gathering their threads together..."

The tapestry for sale is an Italian antique reproduction of Leonardo Da Vinci's drawing. Truely the threads have been gathered together to weave this beautiful tapestry.

The tapestry measures 26" by 44" and is woven in Italy. The tapestry is fully lined and has a rod pocket on the reverse. The tapestry is $200.00