The artwork “Anatomical studies” was created by the illustrious High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci around 1505, in Florence, Italy. This piece is executed in ink on paper and measures approximately 25.3 by 19.7 cm. It is classified as a sketch and study and currently resides in the Palazzo Reale di Torino in Turin, Italy.
The artwork depicts a series of human figures, demonstrating Leonardo da Vinci’s deep interest and skill in human anatomy. A primary figure occupies the center, detailed with precise musculature, showcasing the artist’s meticulous attention to the structure and form of the human body. Surrounding this central figure are smaller studies, including various poses and partial figures that appear to be in motion or represent different anatomical details. The sketches illustrate the artist’s practice of dissecting the human form into an assemblage of parts to better understand its function and to study the underlying skeletal and muscular systems. Da Vinci’s drawings are not merely artistic renditions; they are scientific explorations that reveal his dual expertise as both an artist and an observer of the natural world. The fine lines and careful shading suggest that these studies were more than preparatory work; they were integral to da Vinci’s comprehensive investigation into the workings of the human body.
