The artwork under discussion, “Comparison of scalp skin and onion” created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1489 during the Early Renaissance period, presents an insightful juxtaposition of human anatomy and a botanical subject. Originating in Milan, Italy, and crafted with chalk and ink on paper, the sketch measures 20.3 by 15.2 centimeters. This piece is part of a genre that comprises sketches and studies, wherein da Vinci sought to understand the world through detailed observation and comparison.
Concerning the artwork itself, it exhibits the precision and curiosity for which da Vinci is renowned. It portrays a profile view of a human head in section, displaying the layers beneath the skin of the scalp. The artist’s meticulous strokes epitomize the anatomy with clear delineation of the skin, skull, and the hair’s root structure. Adjacent to this anatomical study, we observe a depiction of an onion with its layers neatly defined, mirroring the layers of the human scalp in a comparative study that exemplifies da Vinci’s interdisciplinary approach to art and science. Accompanying the visual elements are texts, likely notes and observations penned by the artist, which provide context and express his in-depth investigation and analysis. These elements combine to create a piece rich in educational value and illustrative of the Renaissance fervor for exploration and understanding across various fields of knowledge.
