Sixth Knot

The Sixth Knot is an exceptional example of Renaissance printmaking, attributed to the renowned Italian artist, inventor, and polymath Leonardo da Vinci, and created between 1490 and 1500. This piece belongs to a specific group of designs often associated with the early period of his career in Milan, showcasing complex interlace patterns. The medium is an engraving rendered on laid paper, characterized by a unique construction: the design comprises five distinct sections, which were originally cut from a single sheet and subsequently trimmed precisely to the contours of the image. This precise handling highlights the object’s decorative and academic intent.

The work is a masterful study in continuous, symmetrical geometry, a format essential for decorative arts during the late Quattrocento (1401 to 1500). Such motifs were fundamental for ornamental borders in illuminated manuscripts, architectural details, and textile design. The intellectual rigor required to design these interlocking patterns reflects the broad interests of Vinci, who viewed art as inseparable from scientific and mathematical principles. These intricate patterns, known as vinciana knots, were likely intended as models for other artisans and served as exercises in linear precision and spatial logic.

As a significant example of early Renaissance prints, this design demonstrates the experimental nature of the printing process during the period. The finished composition, despite its construction from multiple trimmed parts, presents a unified and endlessly flowing aesthetic. This historic piece is currently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is preserved as an important record of both the artist’s output and the history of graphic design. Due to its age and significance, high-quality images and scholarly resources relating to these intricate knots are widely accessible, often found within public domain collections, ensuring its continued study by art historians.