Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (from Characaturas by Leonardo da Vinci, from Drawings by Wincelslaus Hollar, out of the Portland Museum)

Description

Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci presents a grave, bearded face beneath a broad, dark cap. Long strands of hair and beard flow across the lighter clothing, setting curved lines against the calm rectangular border. The direct gaze and deep shadows lend the small portrait a striking sense of presence.

Published in 1786 as part of Characaturas by Leonardo da Vinci, this aquatint and etching is a later representation of Leonardo. His name appears in elegant script beneath the image, completing a design in which the portrait and its identifying inscription belong together.