Search results

Start typing

This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)

The anatomy of a bear's foot

c.1488-90

RCIN 912372

This drawing shows with some accuracy the bones, muscles and tendons of a bear’s lower leg and foot, with the big toe, claw raised, away from the viewer. Unlike many of his other anatomical studies at this time, which rely on traditional beliefs, Leonardo had no preconceptions about how a bear’s foot should be constructed, and so drew his subject with clear-sighted objectivity.

During the latter part of the 1480s, Leonardo began to study anatomy, with the aim of making his paintings more ‘realistic’. But at this time he was unable to obtain human material to dissect, so here he dissected the left hind leg of a bear, an animal that walks with its feet flat on the ground, like a human.

Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, London, 2018


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.