Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 4)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 4)

One of my interpretations of the contents of this chalk drawing.

The odd bit of this drawing is what looks like a tree sticking out of the left (or even west side of the globe). The tree in the boat is full of foliage so perhaps part of the vision is showing the possibility of transporting a tree from one part of the world (west), to another indicating that it will grow elsewhere.  Another inference is that a tree coming from the west needs to be planted on the west side of the recipient country.

Leonardo also did cartography.  There are also possible links with Christopher Columbus.

LDV Dog and Eagle Sketch (part 3)

Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 3)

One of my interpretation of the contents of this chalk drawing.

This is possibly a vision or dream that Leonardo Da Vinci had.  Over the centuries, people have been encouraged to illustrate what they see in their dreams.  

The flying Creature.
In the biblical book of Ezekiel 1, he had a vision that refers to mystical flying creatures.  Ezekiel describes what he sees in detail and concludes:

‘This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. ’ Ezekiel c1 v28 KJV

The biblical evangelist John is also represented as an Eagle, due to it being a symbol of that which comes from above and in his Revelation, seeing beyond what is immediately present.

Dog
The dog, possibly an Alsatian shepherd dog, looks as though it is in obedience to the eagle, willing to be guided by it’s light.  The light shining from the eagle’s chest is directed to the compass.  Therefore energy and guidance is being provided by this being.

The boat
The style of boat resembles that of a cedar wooden boat made for one person – or to be steered by one person in particular.

Tree 
The tree could be an inference to ‘Jesse Tree’ related to the ancestry of King David or the Tree of Life as stated in the book of Revelation.

I have superimposed a yellow brolly fabric on the sail section of the drawing.

LDV Dog and Eagle Allegory (part 2)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and an eagle c1508-10 (part 2)

This illustration is described as Leonardo's ‘most highly finished chalk drawing, though it’s purpose is unknown and the allegorical subject has received many different interpretations’.

Leonardo was living in French occupied Milan when he did this drawing.  The allegorical subject has received numerous interpretations as listed below:

‘ The glorious eagle bestriding the earth wears a French crown with fleurs-de-lys, and must stand for the King of France.

• the animal in the boat is sometimes seen as a wolf representing the Pope, guiding the ‘ship of the Church’ (navis ecclesiae)  with a tree for a mast.
• It has been seen as an allegory of the alliance between Pope Leo X and Francis I in 1515
• the marriage of Giuliano de’ Medici (Leonardo’s patron in Rome) and Philiberta of Savoy in 1516
• Ludovico Sforza fleeing to the protection of the Holy Roman Emperor in 1499
• Alexander VI cowering before the conquering Charles VIII in 1494 
• even as an allegory of canalisation projects in Lombardy.

The style of the landscape is that of the years around 1510, and the idea of a compass in turbulent waters remaining fixed on the glory of France.

The animal in the boat is therefore presumably a dog, for fidelity, and the allegory expresses faithful devotion towards the King of France. Only the tree-mast is mysterious, though it could be a personal device of the patron. ’

Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, Martin Clayton, 2018

I have superimposed a yellow brolly fabric on the sail section and adjusted the tone (see part 1, 03Jan24).

LDV Dog and Eagle Sketch (part 1)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s Dog and Eagle drawing c1508-10 (part 1)

This illustration is described as his, ‘most highly finished chalk drawing, though it’s purpose is unknown and the allegorical subject has received many different interpretations’.

Now, I’ve looked at this image a number of times and here are some initial questions. 

• Why is there a dog navigating a boat without oars?
• The circular dial in the boat – it looks like a burralo ariel angle device
• Where is this coastline?
• What sort of tree is this?
• Who / what runs the world that the eagle stands on?

I have superimposed a piece yellow brolly fabric on the sail section below.  Interestingly, on the original drawing, the upper section of the sail is almost transparent (showing part of the tree).