Studies of cats, lions and a dragon
Black chalk, pen and ink, wash, 27 x 21 cm, by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1513–18
Royal Collection Trust, London

This sheet by presents a detailed exploration of feline anatomy and movement. Over twenty drawings depict domestic cats and a lioness in a wide range of poses. From peaceful sleep and playful interactions to fierce fights and startled reactions, the cats display the full spectrum of feline behaviours. A single lioness, primarily crouched or prowling, adds a majestic counterpoint to the domestic scenes. While a fantastical dragon, drawn at an unusual angle, injects a touch of the unreal, it also serves as a testament to da Vinci's boundless imagination. The studies of sleeping cats, particularly in the centre right, suggest meticulous observation from life, with the subjects rendered in a state of perfect stillness. Conversely, the depictions of fighting felines, where it's often difficult to distinguish individual limbs, demonstrate da Vinci's reliance on fleeting impressions captured in a split second. Seven surrounding drawings of the lioness show a clear understanding of its anatomy and proportions, likely informed by live specimens kept in Florence at the time. However, the unifying theme of the sheet is revealed by a short, unfinished note by Leonardo himself: 'Of flexion and extension... This animal species, of which the lion is the prince because of its spinal column which is flexible...' This aligns with a similar note on a separate animal study sheet and a memorandum in one of his manuscripts, both referencing the 'serpent-like movement' as a key principle in animal locomotion. These notes, coupled with Leonardo's expressed intention to write a treatise on the subject, solidify his primary focus – to capture the remarkable variety of positions and movements achievable by members of the cat family. The inclusion of the dragon underscores this aim, pushing the boundaries of anatomical accuracy into the realm of pure imagination. While the treatise on animal movement ultimately remained unrealised, this sheet stands as a testament to Leonardo's insatiable curiosity and his enduring fascination with the feline form.


 

Provenance
Francesco Melzi
Pompeo Leoni, c. 1582-90
Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, by 1630
Probably Charles II, King of Great Britain
Royal Collection, by 1690

Source: The Royal Collection, 2023.