Study of a child with a cat

Leonardo da Vinci made this lively study of a child playing with a cat, capturing the spontaneous movement and energy of both figures. The drawing shows Leonardo's scientific observation of anatomy and motion applied to everyday subjects. Quick, confident lines suggest the squirming cat and the child's attempts to hold it.

Leonardo filled notebooks with such studies, observing life constantly to improve his understanding of form and movement. These preparatory drawings reveal his working process and remain highly prized for their immediacy. The Renaissance master's drawings influenced generations of artists. This sheet is held at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.