A Bear Walking
Original title: A Bear Walking
kurzbeschreibung
A bear strides left in profile, captured by Leonardo da Vinci around 1482–85 in silverpoint on light-toned paper. The sheet measures 10.3 x 13.3 cm.
Description
The bear moves leftward in profile, its legs mid-stride. Claws and joints on the paws are clearly defined. The elongated head carries strong, backward-pointing ears. Fine strokes articulate the fur, making its surface tangible. No setting or accessories appear; everything focuses on the animal.
Context
Leonardo drew this sheet during his early Milanese years at the court of Ludovico Sforza. It belongs to a group of animal studies he made for paintings and sketchbooks. He likely used it as a nature study to explore animal anatomy and movement.
Impact
The naturalistic, precise observation of the bear shapes the impression of the sheet, capturing its natural form. The silverpoint lends the drawing something delicate, almost fragile, without losing the animal's power.
Technique
The sheet is executed in silverpoint on light-toned, slightly yellowish paper. The stylus draws fine, even lines that darken to brown over time as the silver oxidizes. Hatching and stroke layers model the bear's fur and body.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)