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Study of the Madonna and Child with a Cat
Leonardo da Vinci's drawing depicting the Madonna with Child and a cat, serving as a preparatory study for a larger work. The piece shows the artist's interest in the relationships between figures and the symbolism of the animal, emphasizing the emotional atmosphere.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Leonardo da Vinci
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Date of birth and death
15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519
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Natinality
Italian
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Style
High Renaissance
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Significant works
Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Virgin of the Rocks, Lady with an Ermine, Vitruvian Man
Information about the work
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Year:
1478
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Execution technique:
ink on paper
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Location:
British Museum, London, United Kingdom
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Theme:
religion, Madonna and Child, animals, cat
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The image emphasizes the intimacy and tenderness of the mother-child relationship, and the presence of the cat may symbolize affection and protection. This study showcases attention to detail and Leonardo's fascination with anatomy and expression of figures.
The key to interpreting the work
Interpret in the context of Renaissance tradition of sacred representations and animal symbolism, and Leonardo's creative process based on detailed studies and sketches.See other works by this artist
Study of the Hanged Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli, assassin of Giuliano de Medici
- Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
- Year: 1479
The proportions of the human figure (The Vitruvian Man)
- Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
- Year: 1492
