LEONARDO da Vinci
(b. 1452, Vinci, d. 1519, Cloux, near Amboise)

Female head (La Scapigliata)

c. 1508
Oil on panel, 27 x 21 cm
Galleria Nazionale, Parma

The face of La Scapigliata is more powerfully executed than that of the standing Leda, though her head is bowed in a similar manner. Given the lack of accessories, it is possible that this face with its thoughtful gaze belongs to a Madonna. The effectively placed powerful brushstrokes in the hair are unusual for Leonardo and possibly a later addition.