# Study of five grotesque heads [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [LEONARDO da Vinci]() - Date: 1451-1500 - Technique: Pen and ink on paper, 261 x 206 cm ## Commentary Study of five grotesque heads c. 1494 Pen and ink on paper, 261 x 206 cm Royal Library, Windsor It has not so far been possible to come up with a convincing interpretation of these five types. The figure wearing the laurel wreath is thought to be a portrait. At any rate, it is the main figure in the group, because with its profile view it is occupying the most dignified position, and the others are arranged about this figure. Leonardo recognized that the moving parts of the face, such as the eyebrows, eyes and mouth, were a prerequisite for the expression of various emotions such as laughing, crying, anger and fear. ## Related artworks - [Adoration of the Magi]() - [Allegory with wolf and eagle]() - [Anatomical studies \(larynx and leg\)]() - [Anatomical studies of a male shoulder]() - [Anatomical studies of the shoulder]() - [Anatomical studies]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() - [Annunciation \(detail\)]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()