![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)
Three emblems
c.1506-10RCIN 912701
As a court artist to the French occupiers of Milan, Leonardo designed several personal emblems on the theme of constancy. The top emblem here depicts a plough with the words hostinato rigore (‘obstinate rigour’). The next shows a compass set upon a continuously turning waterwheel, its needle however remaining fixed upon a star. The final emblem shows a candle in a lantern remaining alight despite being blown from all directions.