LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)
A costume study for a masque
c.1517-18RCIN 912575
In his costume designs, Leonardo was aiming at a great richness and layering of textiles, with ribbons, scalloping, plumes, fringes, spotted furs and quilted sleeves and breeches. Such clothing was associated with mercenary soldiers, fools and minstrels: the king’s guests were dressing up not just exotically, but in something risqué.