Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard (recto); Design for a Stage Setting (verso)

Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard (recto); Design for a Stage Setting (verso) by Leonardo da Vinci is a complex, double-sided sheet executed around 1496. This drawing masterwork, utilizing pen and brown ink on both surfaces, illustrates Vinci’s characteristic capacity for pursuing disparate intellectual inquiries simultaneously, ranging from philosophical studies to applied theatrical engineering. The work is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The recto side presents the intriguing Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard. This study features several figures of men interacting, presumably examining the small reptile mentioned in the title. This allegorical subject matter relates to themes of loyalty, trust, and morality, popular subjects for intellectual consideration during the High Renaissance. Vinci’s masterful use of ink and line gives the figures a sculptural quality, typical of his detailed drafting style.

In stark contrast, the verso displays a meticulous architectural rendering: the Design for a Stage Setting. This technical sketch demonstrates Vinci’s significant involvement in creating the elaborate scenery and temporary structures required for courtly spectacles and performances in late 15th-century Milan. The detailed stage design offers invaluable insight into the mechanics and visual grandeur of Renaissance-era theater production.

The piece is a testament to the artist's dual identity as both a fine artist and a highly practical inventor. As a crucial element of the history of drawing and theatrical design, this work is now in the public domain, allowing institutions and collectors worldwide to study high-quality prints reflecting the genius of Vinci’s creative process.