Sketches of Horses' (or Dromedaries') Legs (recto); Columns (verso)

Sketches of Horses' (or Dromedaries') Legs (recto); Columns (verso) is a fascinating double-sided drawing created between 1528 and 1532 by an individual identified only as a Follower of Leonardo da Vinci Italian, 1452-1519. The recto, executed in pen and brown ink on tan laid paper, exhibits the Florentine school’s dedication to precise anatomical observation. The focus on the detailed study of animal legs, whether equine or dromedary, suggests a practical exercise by an apprentice seeking mastery over form, motion, and structure essential for composing complex narrative scenes involving animals. The crisp definition of joints and musculature demonstrates an adherence to the observational methods championed by the renowned Renaissance master.

The verso of this sheet features studies of classical architectural columns rendered in black chalk. The utilization of both sides of the paper, often for contrasting subjects, was a standard economic and pedagogical practice in workshops across Italy during the early sixteenth century, enabling artists to practice diverse skill sets from organic life study to rigid architectural design. Although created after Leonardo’s death, the technique and subject matter reflect the enduring legacy of his studio, where drawing was the foundational step for both scientific inquiry and subsequent painted or sculpted works.

Classified as an important Drawing from the Renaissance period, this piece captures the intellectual rigor and workshop demands of the era. This work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars crucial insight into the dissemination of Da Vinci’s techniques. As the original drawing is a foundational resource for understanding workshop practices of the period, high-resolution prints and documentation are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the observational standards characteristic of Leonardo’s school.