Unknown, Cast of a bust of Leonardo da Vinci

Cast of a bust of Leonardo da Vinci, c.1860

Unknown

RA Collection: Art

On free display in Central Hall

This portrait bust of Leonardo da Vinci is one of eight busts of artists and architects installed in the 'Octagon' in the Main Galleries at Burlington House when the RA moved there in 1868. The cast appears to be taken from the bust of Leonardo by Filippo Albacini, itself derived from the presumed self-portrait in the Uffizi. This self-portrait was in turn engraved by Rafaello Morghen at the beginning of the 19th century, and in this form served as Albacini’s model.

Albacini’s bust was executed to occupy a position in the Pantheon in Rome, but was transferred to the Capitoline Museums in 1820. This was also the case for the bust which served as the ultimate model for the plaster cast of Raphael, also in the Octagon at Burlington House.

Object details

Title

Cast of a bust of Leonardo da Vinci

Artist/designer

Unknown

Date

c.1860

Object type

Sculpture

Medium

Plaster

Dimensions

770 mm x 530 mm x 390 mm

Collection

Royal Academy of Arts

Object number

04/1136

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