The artwork, created by Leonardo da Vinci around 1500 in Italy, is an ink on paper caricature illustrating the artist’s adept ability to accentuate and play with human features for expressive effect. Measuring 65 by 53 centimeters, this piece is part of the High Renaissance art movement and is classified under the genres of caricature and illustration, belonging to the Paris Manuscript B series. It currently resides in the La Scala Theatre Museum, located in Milan, Italy.
The artwork depicts a profile view of an individual with highly exaggerated features, a common characteristic of caricature. The subject’s nose is oversized and protruding, while the chin recedes sharply, creating a pronounced contrast. The forehead slopes back dramatically, contributing to the distorted sense of proportion that defines the genre. A hooded garment drapes over the subject’s head and shoulders, adding to the sense of depth and texture within the work. Leonardo’s mastery of shading is evident in the rendering of the figure’s facial contours and the folds of the garment. Despite the humorous exaggeration, the artwork showcases Leonardo’s detailed observations of human anatomy and his skill with a pen, capturing a vivid expression that seems to convey a narrative about the character’s persona or disposition.
