Detail in Virgin on the Rocks (London version)
Leonardo da Vinci
1452-1519 detail from the Virgin on the Rocks
This is a copy of a detail from the London version of the Virgin on the Rocks c.1508 – Oil on board. Although there is some debate about whether Da Vinci had “help” with this painting, current thought is that he was responsible for the main figures and faces. The original is in colour.
Silverpoint on eggshell ground 5" x 7"
The unforgiving nature of silverpoint means that mistakes cannot be rectified! The most noticeable flaw is that the head of my angel is not tilted sufficiently and therefore there is more of the eyes visible.
Silverpoint doesn’t permit the achievement of a black background which meant that the tones had to be significantly different to the original and even where they could be shown against a paler ground, silverpoint doesn’t allow the depth of dark tones.
Notes to me......
"• Silverpoint is not a good medium to use for copying a non-silverpoint work!"