A Kneeling Angel

Leonardo Vinci, da (after)

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. In the drawing a winged angel is bending down on one knee amongst rushes. The angel's right arm is extended, and a sketch for an alternative position for this arm can also be seen. At the bottom of the drawing is a rough outline of another figure. This drawing is on the same sheet as 1933.395. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 1 LEONARDO DA VINCI A KNEELING ANGEL British Museum, 1913-6-17-1. From the H. S. Wilcocks Collection. Pen and ink; slight traces of a preliminary drawing with the lead point. 12.3 x 6 cm. (4 7/8 x 2 3/8 in.). The angel kneels among rushes, which he grasps with his left hand, while the right hand seems to be pouring water which has just been taken from the pool or stream beside which the rushes grow. The right hand, like the right leg and foot, has been drawn twice, and in the case of the hand a sign like an obelus marks the rejection of the attitude first adopted. The motive is not easily explained. At the foot of the principal subject is a very slight sketch of a figure in outline. [Burlington Magazine, August 1913; xxiii. 264.] C. D."