Study of battles on horseback 1504

This "Study of battles on horseback" was made by Leonardo da Vinci using pen and ink on paper. It's a perfect example of how even a seemingly simple choice of material can be loaded with meaning. Leonardo's choice of pen and ink on paper wasn't just about convenience; it was about speed and precision. The immediacy of ink allowed him to capture fleeting moments and expressions, crucial for conveying the dynamic energy of battle. Look closely and you'll notice the intricate details, like the tension in the horses' muscles and the ferocity in the soldiers' faces. The monochrome palette strips away any distraction of color, directing our attention to the artist's mastery of line and form. There’s a rawness and a sense of immediacy that comes from the materiality, an intimacy, like we are looking at a page snatched from the artist's personal notebook.