The artwork titled “Study of the Hanged Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli, assassin of Giuliano de Medici” is a work by the master artist Leonardo da Vinci, dating from 1479 and originating from Milan, Italy. Executed in ink on paper, it measures 7.3 x 19.2 cm and belongs to the genre of sketch and study, typifying the Early Renaissance movement. Currently, the artwork is located in the Musée Bonnat in Bayonne, France. It is a notable representation of Leonardo’s keen observational skills and his interest in human anatomy and emotion.
The artwork depicts the figure of Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli, suspended from a noose following his execution. There is a pronounced detail in the rendering of his clothing—a typical attire of the era—with fine lines marking the folds, patterns, and texture of the garments. The figure’s body language, with limbs hanging and the head bowed forward, conveys a sense of weight and finality consistent with the depiction of a post-execution scene. Around the figure, annotations and text are visible, which may pertain to observations or notes made by Leonardo at the time of sketching. Notably, Leonardo da Vinci’s ability to portray the human figure with anatomical precision is evident in this study, which captures not only the physical characteristics of the moment but also a glimpse into the cultural and historical context in which it was created.
