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

Description

Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard occupies a small circular area of this sheet by Leonardo da Vinci, leaving broad areas of paper around its finely worked forms. The drawing represents a sleeping man beside a tree and a lizard confronting a snake that threatens him. Leonardo’s inscription explains the animal’s protective behavior, giving the subject its title, Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard. Pen and brown ink bring the compact narrative into focus.

The sheet is dated 1496 and also carries a stage design on its reverse, but the displayed front presents the allegory. Its circular format suggests a design intended for a costume medal, according to the museum’s research. The little scene makes fidelity visible as vigilance and protection: the lizard attempts to defend someone who cannot notice the danger himself. The scale encourages attentive looking, matching the alertness embodied in the story.

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