# Study of an apostle's head and architectural study

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/study-of-an-apostles-head-and-architectural-study-r75f6d9e0f7fc1f>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [LEONARDO da Vinci](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c>)
- Date: 1451-1500
- Technique: Red chalk, pen and ink on paper, 252 x 172 mm

## Commentary

The head is a study for St James the Great in which Leonardo was concerned mainly with investigating the expression of the figure. The open mouth and widened gaze create the impression of astonishment. In addition, the sheet includes an architectural study in ink, a design for an aesthetic solution to the corner of a fortress wall, probably representing Leonardo the architect rather than Leonardo the builder of fortresses.

## Related artworks

- [Adoration of the Magi](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/adoration-of-the-magi-rd80eeab15adb49>)
- [Allegory with wolf and eagle](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/allegory-with-wolf-and-eagle-r1ce516503e3f23>)
- [Anatomical studies \(larynx and leg\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/anatomical-studies-larynx-and-leg-rfef6071d0ff673>)
- [Anatomical studies of a male shoulder](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/anatomical-studies-of-a-male-shoulder-r4a9c28cc1184e4>)
- [Anatomical studies of the shoulder](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/anatomical-studies-of-the-shoulder-r45548939fd23a1>)
- [Anatomical studies](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/anatomical-studies-r008e94fdd4a852>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-r50b5181a2155c7>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-r6fc87cb3f120d9>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-r708de80885e43d>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-raa12a1f96c5408>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-rb27c206999eb4d>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/leonardo-da-vinci-r0350d435570f6c/annunciation-detail-rd1b8656f7a1e4b>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)