The Head of the Virgin in Three-Quarter View Facing Right

The Head of the Virgin in Three-Quarter View Facing Right by Leonardo da Vinci, executed between 1510 and 1513, is a superb example of High Renaissance draftsmanship, reflecting the artist's meticulous exploration of human physiognomy. This preparatory study, which resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, employs a sophisticated mixed media technique primarily utilizing black chalk, charcoal, and red chalk, with minor traces of white chalk suggesting attempts at highlighting.

The drawing captures the subject, typically identified as the Virgin Mary, turned subtly in a three-quarter view facing right. This perspective allowed Vinci to define the contours and delicate features of the woman's face with exceptional subtlety, exploiting the interplay between the different colored chalks. The resulting textural complexity provides a nuanced demonstration of volume and shadow characteristic of the artist's later period. Though some remains of framing lines in pen and brown ink visible at the upper right are later additions not attributable to Vinci, the core drawing remains a powerful record of his observational skill.

As a significant example of Vinci's focus on defining heads and profiles for larger compositions, this piece is invaluable for understanding the master’s working methods. It shows his continuous interest in developing figures with anatomical accuracy and expressive grace. The classification of this piece as a seminal drawing ensures its constant study by scholars. As a publicly available image, prints and digital reproductions based on public domain records allow global access to this celebrated work from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's distinguished collection.