Who painted Study of a Madonna [verso]?

Study of a Madonna [verso] was painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1475.

Where can I see Study of a Madonna [verso]?

Study of a Madonna [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study of a Madonna [verso]?

Study of a Madonna [verso] is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Study of a Madonna [verso]

Leonardo da Vinci , 1475

Study of a Madonna [verso] is a chalk drawing by the Early Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Leonardo da Vinci produced this black‑chalk drawing on laid paper around 1475. It is a small, preparatory study placed on the reverse side of a sheet, depicting a Madonna holding the infant Christ. The work is not a finished composition but a quick exploratory sketch, characteristic of Leonardo’s early investigative practice.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a faint, almost ethereal figure of a woman cradling a child, suggesting the traditional Christian theme of the Virgin and Child. The simplified rendering emphasizes the intimate gesture rather than narrative detail, reflecting an interest in the basic human relationship at the core of the devotional subject.

Technique & Style

Executed with black chalk, Leonardo employs delicate, smudged lines and subtle shading to model the forms. Large portions of the paper remain untouched, allowing the white surface to define highlights. The soft transitions anticipate his later use of sfumato, creating a smoky, atmospheric effect even within this brief study.

History & Provenance

The drawing is a verso work, indicating it was likely part of a larger folio used for multiple sketches. Its paper shows age‑related yellowing, spots, and creases, confirming its early Renaissance origin. The piece has remained within scholarly collections, serving as evidence of Leonardo’s formative drawing methods.