Study for the Angel in 'The Virgin of the Rocks' (Head of a Woman)
Print Reproduction on paper (likely a museum-quality lithograph or giclée facsimile) • After Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452–1519).
Style & Movement
High Renaissance (Original); Contemporary Reproduction.
Medium & Technique
Original: Metalpoint on blue prepared paper, heighted with white. This item: Offset lithography or high-quality photographic reproduction.
Creation Period
Original created c. 1483-1485; this reproduction likely late 20th to early 21st century.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8x10 inches for the image (Original is 18.1 x 15.9 cm); portrait orientation, matted and framed.
Subject Description
A preparatory study for the head of the angel Uriel in the first version of the Virgin of the Rocks (Louvre). The composition features a woman's head turned three-quarters to the left, looking over her shoulder with an ethereal gaze. It exemplifies 'sfumato' and delicate cross-hatching.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame; however, the white matting shows signs of age and the frame is a standard commercial decorative molding.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (decorative value only).
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD.
Provenance History
Likely purchased as museum shop merchandise or from a high-end decor retailer. No visible historical stamps or unique collector marks on the face.
Art Historical Significance
The original drawing (housed in the Biblioteca Reale, Turin) is considered one of the most beautiful drawings in Western art, representing Leonardo's mastery of anatomy, light, and psychological depth during his early Milanese period.
Notable Features
Features the blue-grey tonality characteristic of Leonardo's use of prepared paper (carta tinta) and mimics the delicate white highlights of the original metalpoint technique.
Condition Issues
Potential light fading if exposed to UV; the matting is not archival-grade and may cause acid-burn (yellowing) over time; minor scuffing on the gilt frame.
Conservation Recommendations
If acidity is noted, replace the mat with acid-free museum board. Ensure it is hung away from direct sunlight and kept in a stable humidity environment.