Head of a Woman (La Scapigliata) is an oil painting on wood by Leonardo da Vinci that was completed in around 1500. This iconic piece of art is housed in the Galleria Nazionale di Parma, Italy and was first mentioned in the House of Gonzaga collection in 1627. It was commissioned by Isabella d’Este, a member of the Gonzaga family of Mantua.
The masterpiece depicts a young woman with a dispassionate gaze, considered among Leonardo’s women portraits. It is thought to be a model for Virgin Mary in The Virgin of the Rocks. What makes this painting unique is that it expertly captures not only the physical attributes of its subject but also her personality.
In addition to being known for his various artworks such as Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci was also skilled at drawing. Another interesting fact about La Scapigliata is that it started as a silverpoint on paper drawing located in Royal Library of Turin before taking its final form as an oil painting. Overall, Head Of A Young Woman- Leonardo Da Vinci represents true mastery and keen attention to detail from one of history’s greatest artists.
