A charcoal drawing from Leonardo da Vinci's workshop sold for €650,000 at a Dorotheum auction in Vienna. The unfinished 'Salvator Mundi' study, dated 1504, far exceeded its pre-sale estimate.
The drawing is attributed to Fernando Llanos, a Spanish artist who assisted da Vinci. Stylistic similarities to da Vinci's work are evident, particularly in the depiction of spiraling water-like curls. This technique aligns with descriptions in da Vinci's 'Treatise on Painting'.
The drawing was previously auctioned in London in 2004 as 'in the manner of' da Vinci. Cristina Geddo suggests the attribution to Llanos, documented as collaborating with da Vinci on 'The Battle of Anghiari'. An inscription on the drawing supports its connection to da Vinci's Florentine period.
The inscription 'LA DA V / 1504' clarifies the authorship as Fernando Llanos, avoiding misinterpretation as 'Leonardo da Vinci'. However, some ambiguity remains, possibly intentional, given da Vinci's fondness for jokes and double meanings. The monogram and date could have been added by Llanos or another workshop member.
The 'Salvator Mundi' drawing reflects Llanos' artistic influences, including Spanish heritage, Tuscan Renaissance culture, and da Vinci's style. Similar elements are present in da Vinci's famous 'Salvator Mundi,' sold for $450 million in 2017. These elements include the penetrating gaze, shadowed eye sockets, and spiraling hair.
As an unfinished work, the drawing provides insight into the workshop's process. The execution appears to have stopped at the preparatory stage, lacking final color pigments. Revisions around the nose, beard, and hair suggest a non-linear creative process.