A palazzo, and a fountain of Neptune
Black chalk, pen and ink on paper, by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1508–10
The Royal Collection, London

In January 1504 shows Leonardo da Vinci participating in a committee to place Michelangelo's recently finished David statue in Florence. This suggests Leonardo was impressed by the work, as his drawing of Neptune, surrounded by seahorses at its base, bears a strong resemblance to Michelangelo's David pose. The architectural sketches on the same document seem to depict plans for a villa commissioned by the governor of Milan, Charles d'Amboise. Additionally, notes on the document mention a pleasure garden inspired by the legendary Gardens of Venus on Cyprus. This raises the possibility that the Neptune drawing was intended as a sculptural fountain for these gardens.

Provenance
Francesco Melzi
Pompeo Leoni, c. 1582-90
Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, by 1630
Probably Charles II, King of Great Britain
Royal Collection, by 1690

Source: The Royal Collection, 2023.