The Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist," often called "The Burlington House Cartoon," is a stunning testament to Leonardo da Vinci's unparalleled artistic ability. Created around 1499-1500 or, possibly, between 1506 and 1508, this large-scale drawing, executed in charcoal and chalk on paper, showcases Leonardo's innovative approach to composition and his profound understanding of human form. The drawing depicts the Virgin Mary seated gracefully on the lap of her mother, Saint Anne. The Christ Child is nestled in Mary's arms, while Saint John the Baptist stands to the right, completing the arrangement of the four figures. What makes this work so compelling is the intricate and interwoven nature of the composition. The figures are not simply placed side-by-side; instead, they interact through carefully considered poses and gestures, creating a dynamic and visually engaging scene. Leonardo's mastery of anatomy is evident in the subtle rendering of the figures. The flowing lines and delicate shading bring the characters to life, revealing their underlying structure and conveying a sense of movement. The interplay of gazes between the figures adds another layer of complexity to the artwork. Each character seems to be engaged in a silent dialogue, creating a sense of connection and hinting at deeper symbolic meanings. Saint Anne's enigmatic gesture, with her finger pointing upwards, has been the subject of much scholarly debate, inviting viewers to contemplate its significance."The Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist" is believed to be a cartoon, a preparatory drawing intended as a guide for a painting that was ultimately never executed. Despite its unfinished nature, the cartoon stands as a complete work of art in its own right. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the artist's creative process and to appreciate the sheer brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci. Its complex composition, masterful execution, and intriguing symbolism continue to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts around the world.
Leonardo da Vinci's The Leonardo Cartoon (1499–1500), Stretched Matte Canvas
Leonardo da Vinci's The Leonardo Cartoon (1499–1500), Stretched Matte Canvas
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Explore our living room and bedroom art section to introduce maximum artistic diversity into your home. This section showcases square canvas wall art designed for stunning arrangements of three above beds or sofas. The 16" x 16" size is ideal above beds and 2-seater sofas, while the 20" x 20" size complements 3-seater sofas.
Quality You Can See (and Feel)
We're serious about quality. Our canvases are made with a super-smooth cotton and polyester base, treated with a special coating. This means your images will be sharp, vibrant, and full of life. Plus, we use inks specifically designed to ensure the canvas colors will stay stunning for years to come. To avoid cropping images and affecting the canvas's quality, our canvases do not have the printed image extending onto the sides of the frame which is left white. Because of how we make our canvases, there might be a tiny difference in size (around +/- 1/8" or 3.2mm).
Good for Your Home, Good for the Earth
We believe in doing things right. That's why the frames for our canvases are crafted from radiata pine, sourced from forests that are managed responsibly. You can feel good knowing your art is helping to support sustainable practices.
Hanging Made Easy
We know you're excited to get your new art on the wall, so we've made it super simple! Each canvas comes with back hanging included for convenient placement. Just unpack it, find the perfect spot, and you're good to go. For most canvases, you can use nails but if you're purchasing a size greater than 30 inches you can also use screws.
Safe & Sound
We only use non-toxic, non-flammable latex inks for our canvases. You can relax and enjoy your art knowing it's safe for you and your family.
No More Slipping and Sliding
Each canvas has soft rubber dots on the bottom corners to keep it perfectly in place on your wall.
No unexpected customs fees: global production made local
Our canvas wall art is made locally in the UK, US or Australia depending on where your order comes from. This means your order should reach you fast (see arrival time indications at checkout). Whilst we can't guarantee shipment times, you will be kept up to date with your order shipment information as soon as your order is shipped and can use our shipping tracker to find out where it's at if there's any delays. The average time it takes to ship your canvas is 2.5 days from the date of your order.
Care instructions
If the canvas does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, damp cloth.