The Vitruvian Man, one of Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated works, is full of mysteries and intriguing details.
In this article, we'll explore six fun facts about this iconic representation of the human body and its perfect proportions.
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Leonardo did not intend to exhibit the Vitruvian Man
Unlike other works, the design of the Vitruvian Man was conceived by Leonardo da Vinci during his studies on anatomy and architecture.
After its completion in 1490, the drawing was preserved and, after Leonardo's death, passed through several collectors until it was donated to the Gallerie dell'Accademia in 1822, where it remains today.
Two positions and 16 variations
Although the Vitruvian Man only appears to represent two positions, experts believe that Leonardo was thinking of 16 different variations.
Furthermore, recent studies have revealed variations in the man's face, suggesting that Da Vinci was perhaps portraying a mature man and a young man.
It may have been the result of a collaboration
During his studies on Vitruvius, Da Vinci came into contact with the architect Giacomo Andrea de Ferrara, who was already interested in human proportions.
Although there is no evidence of a direct collaboration in the Vitruvian Man, historians agree that Da Vinci relied on Giacomo's drawings to create a more accurate representation of Vitruvius' writings.
It could be a self portrait
The identity of the model used by Da Vinci for the Vitruvian Man is still a mystery.
However, the physical depiction of the man in the drawing matches the features of Da Vinci himself at the time the work was completed.
The Vitruvian Man Probably Had a Hernia
Although the drawing seeks to represent the perfection of human proportions, detailed analyzes indicate that the model could have an inguinal hernia.
This condition, common in men, is evidenced by the bulge near the groin in the drawing.
The original sketch is rarely displayed
Due to its historical importance, the original drawing of the Vitruvian Man is kept safely in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice.
To preserve it, reproductions are used in public exhibitions, the last exhibition of the original being in 2013.
Sketch viewing requires special permission for a private session in the Printing and Drawing Office.
