Where Is Study? See It at British Museum

Q: Why are Leonardo's studies important?

Leonardo left about 13,000 pages of drawings covering anatomy, mechanics, architecture, and nature. These sketches reveal his systematic investigation of the world and pioneered modern scientific illustration.

Q: What subjects did Leonardo study?

Leonardo studied virtually everything: human anatomy (dissecting over 30 corpses), mechanical devices, flight, water flow, plant growth, and architecture. His studies informed both his paintings and his engineering designs.

Leonardo da Vinci left behind approximately 13,000 pages of drawings and notes, making his studies invaluable records of Renaissance thought. His sketches range from anatomical investigations to mechanical inventions, architectural plans to natural observations.

Leonardo believed illustration took precedence over written explanation in teaching. His drawings served as "demonstrations" that the text then explained. This approach made his notebooks precursors to modern scientific illustration. Studies like this one reveal his insatiable curiosity and desire to understand everything from human muscles to flying machines.

Leonardo left about 13,000 pages of drawings covering anatomy, mechanics, architecture, and nature. These sketches reveal his systematic investigation of the world and pioneered modern scientific illustration.

Leonardo studied virtually everything: human anatomy (dissecting over 30 corpses), mechanical devices, flight, water flow, plant growth, and architecture. His studies informed both his paintings and his engineering designs.

Leonardo called his approach "dimostrazione" (demonstrations). He believed drawings should lead, with text serving to explain images rather than the reverse, making his work a precursor to modern scientific illustration.

Study

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Leonardo da Vinci

Landscape drawing for Santa Maria della Neve

Automobile

Madonna with a Flower (Madonna Benois)

Study of the Madonna and Child with a Cat

Also at British Museum

Sutton Hoo Helmet

Study of the Madonna and Child with a Cat

Engelsburg

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Sculptures

Related Renaissance Works

Sistine Madonna

The Birth of Venus

The School of Athens

The Alba Madonna

Venus of Urbino

Venus with a Mirror

Laocoön

Pallas and the Centaur

About Study

Own Art Like This