![Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci attributed to Francesco Melzi](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/lead_image_half_height/RC1894_Leonardo%201600%20x%20625_Yellow.jpg)
LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)
A ravine
c.1475-80RCIN 912395
This drawing of a ravine may appear fanciful at first sight, an impression not helped by the disproportionately large ducks or swans. But in fact Leonardo has carefully recorded a type of rock formation found in the Arno valley south-east of Florence, caused by the erosion of sandstone into tall jagged pillars.