Animals- Leonardo, Durer.

 

 Durer

 

 

It's hard not to like this splendid specimen which Durer drew without having seen a rhinoceros but from a description given to him at third hand. What it shows is Durer's close attention to the detail of his drawing which is similarly evident in this famous drawing of a hare.

 

This drawing reveals Durer's reported interest in science and was completed in 1502. The fur detail was painted over a colour wash to give an impression of fur and underlying structure. Apparently, Durer usually worked in three stages. First brushing in outlines, then colored areas finishing with the more detailed work.

 

 

 

This 'Wing of a blue roller' was completed in 1512. It is watercolour and opaque on parchment. Wing joints are rendered anatomically correctly and it's thought that he may have used this study for modelling angels' wings.

 

 

Finally I've included this almost walrus drawing; a 'Head of a Walrus' in ink and brown Indian ink. Durer is quoted as saying 'the more accurately your work represents life, the better it will appear...' Durer's love of detail is shown in this drawing which appeals to me in different ways. At times I find the expression almost fearful and at others almost comical. This drawing together with several others is held in the 'British Museum' though I suspect not on display as they are probably too light sensitive.

 

 

Leonardo was a scientist as well as an artist and his drawings of animals show this interest in the same way as do his studies of human form.

 

This drawing of a horse is one of many studies made but his interest was all embracing and he drew dogs, cats lions and grotesque animals.

 

 

 

The study of horses is indicative of Leonardo's ability to convey movement whilst the lower image of a page from his sketchbook captures characteristic poses.