Anatomical studies
by LEONARDO da Vinci

Leonardo had continually studied the structure of the body in order to be able to depict the human figure properly. In 1510 in Pavia, Leonardo and Marcantonio della Torre, a professional anatomist at the University of Pavia, started dissecting corpses. This collaboration raised Leonardo's research to a higher scientific level that showed itself in the quality of his drawings. In these studies it is no longer merely a question of discovering what physically exists; instead, the interplay of bones, muscles and tendons comes to fore.

After Marcantonio della Torre died of the plague in 1511, Leonardo's practical opportunities for pursuing an intensive examination of corpses probably diminished, but the structure of the human body continued to interest him in his drawings.

The study of embryos is one of Leonardo's most impressive anatomical drawings. However, it is certain that Leonardo did not dissect a pregnant corps; instead he applied his examinations of animal embryos to humans.

Preview Picture Data File Info Comment
Vitruvian Man
1492
Pen, ink, watercolour and metalpoint on paper, 343 x 245 mm
Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice

949*1300
True Color
202 Kb



Study on the proportions of head and eyes
-
Pen and ink, 197 x 160 mm
Biblioteca Reale, Turin

801*1022
Grayscale
92 Kb



Comparison of scalp skin and onion
1489
Pen, ink and red chalk on paper, 203 x 152 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

805*1082
True Color
104 Kb



Studies of human skull
1489
Pen, ink and black chalk on paper, 188 x 134 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

651*962
True Color
69 Kb



Study of proportion
c. 1490
Silverpoint on blue prepared paper, 213 x 153 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

740*1009
True Color
122 Kb



Anatomical studies of the shoulder
1510-11
Black chalk, pen and ink on paper, 289 x 199 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

808*1149
True Color
166 Kb



Anatomical studies of a male shoulder
1509-10
Pen and ink on paper, 292 x 198 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

701*1006
True Color
113 Kb



Anatomical studies (larynx and leg)
1510
Drawing
Royal Library, Windsor

584*862
Grayscale
178 Kb



Heart and its Blood Vessels
-
Drawing
Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan

365*464
True Color
60 Kb



Studies of the sexual act and male sexual organ
c. 1492
Pen and ink on paper, 273 x 202 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

801*1094
True Color
133 Kb



Anatomical studies
1504-06
Pen on red prepared paper, 253 x 197 mm
Biblioteca Reale, Turin

928*901
True Color
148 Kb



Studies of legs of man and the leg of a horse
1506-07
Pen, ink, red chalk on red prepared paper, 285 x 205 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

750*1031
True Color
109 Kb



Drawing of a Woman's Torso
-
Drawing
Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan

477*585
True Color
80 Kb



Drawing of the Torso and the Arms
-
Drawing
Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan

497*746
True Color
108 Kb



Studies of embryos
1509-14
Black and red chalk, pen and ink wash on paper, 305 x 220 mm
Royal Library, Windsor

801*1099
True Color
131 Kb




Summary of works by Leonardo
Paintings
early work | in the 1480s | in the 1490s | late work | copies
Studies to paintings
Battle of Anghiari | studies (1) | studies (2) | heads | various
Other studies
anatomy | nature | engineering | maps | architecture | sculpture