The artwork “Study of horses for the Battle of Anghiari” is attributed to the acclaimed artist Leonardo da Vinci, created circa 1503 in Florence, Italy. This piece is executed in a combination of chalk, wash, and ink on paper, showcasing the artist’s remarkable skill and attention to detail. The artwork places itself within the High Renaissance movement, reflecting the period’s accentuation on naturalism and classical harmony. Measuring 19.6 cm by 30.8 cm, this work is categorized as a sketch and study, which served as preparatory works for larger and more complex compositions.
Upon examining the artwork, one observes a collection of dynamic and anatomically detailed horse studies. Leonardo’s use of line is vigorous and expressive, capturing the movement and musculature of the animals with fluidity and precision. The varying positions and angles of the horses suggest Leonardo was exploring different perspectives and states of motion, likely in preparation for a larger scene involving the chaotic energy of a battle. In the more finished sections, the artist has applied shading and textural detail which give depth and a sense of three-dimensionality to the drawings.
The composition is devoid of any background or context, which emphasizes the study-focused nature of the work. The horses’ expressions are rendered with careful attention, portraying a range of emotions that one might expect from such majestic creatures in battle—from fear and aggression to pain. It is a testament to Leonardo’s mastery over depicting the natural world and his understanding of anatomy, a skill that would become a hallmark of Renaissance artistry.
