What are Leonardo da Vinci' s cartoons?

Answer 1

A cartoon is a preliminary drawing, usually on thick paper, made the same size as the finished work. The work is then pricked with little holes around the sketched outline and then placed where the finished work will be completed. A chalky substance is then patted over the cartoon's holes and voila, the image is transferred and ready to be painted. It's a little like our modern tracing technique really. Many Renaissance artist would have used this method for large works such as freso and also for much smaller works. I've been lucky enough to view many of Leonardo da VInci's original drawings and one particular work that I handled in the British Museum had been punctured in order to transfer. There are some great Raphael cartoons to see if you're able to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum also.

If you're looking to see a Leonardo da Vinci cartoon there's a version of The Madonna, St Ann and Child in the National Gallery, London.

Answer 2

They are full size line drawings on paper done for a fresco. That is tempera paint painted on a freshly plastered wall (or ceiling in Michelangelo's case). There were series of holes along the lines in which chalk was drawn or blown to give the outline of the painting's figures on the surface. Then the cartoon was taken down and the painting done with the cartoon chalk marks as a guide line. The cartoons were then usually destroyed.

Answer 3

They are the full-size preparatory drawings for oil paintings.

We have a very famous one in the National Gallery in London.

See link below.

Answer 4

go to the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy. You'll see the real ones. Quite impressive.

Answer 5

Drawings in preparation for his paintings.

Answer 6

Drawings - and no, they're not funny!! Usually in a sort of red/brown chalk...