Head of Leda Leonardo da Vinci

Description

This delightful plaster plaque looks absolutely stunning and will attract attention wherever placed.

It is a plaster gypsum model, beautifully made, boxed  with a product card. 

In the years around 1505 Leonardo worked on two distinct versions of a composition of Leda and the Swan. They depict the myth of Leda. Jupiter seduced seduced Leda in the form of a swan and bore two eggs, from which hatched Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, and Castor and Pollux.

Leonardo made a number of studies for his painting, including four surviving drawings of the head of Leda.

In this example particular attention focusses  on the intricate and highly decorative hairstyle which serves to enhance Leda’s beauty. Leda’s facial expression is actually less noticeable . She does not engage the viewer’s gaze  but looks down, making her appear modest and demure.

Leonardo’s finished painting shows a standing figure of Leda embraced by the swan. The French royal collection included this shortly after completion c.1515. However, the painting was destroyed in around 1700, and today is known through copies.

Height  21cms   Width 18cms   Depth 2cms