The artwork titled “Study for the Sforza Monument” is attributed to the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci, created in 1489. As a quintessential figure of the High Renaissance, Leonardo’s sketch is a prime example of the era’s emphasis on classical harmony, proportion, and the pursuit of artistic perfection. This particular sketch and study were part of the preparatory work for a grand equestrian statue commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza.
The artwork itself is a detailed study that primarily focuses on a vigorous horse in mid-rear, with its front legs elegantly raised and muscles tensely defined, displaying both the animal’s power and grace. The dynamic pose captures the force and motion of the horse, a testament to Leonardo’s gift for imbuing life into his sketches. Also noticeable within the study is a faint outline of a rider, seemingly in the act of brandishing a weapon, which illustrates the intended martial theme of the monument. The multitude of lines and hatching techniques provides a sense of volume and depth, showcasing Leonardo’s expert understanding of anatomy and movement.
However, it is important to note that the grand monument envisioned by Leonardo da Vinci for Ludovico Sforza was never completed, leaving this and other preparatory sketches as the only witnesses to the artist’s ambitious conception.
