The "Allegory of the Boat, the Wolf and the Eagle" by Leonardo da Vinci, made around 1516, is a chalk drawing with a strong symbolic and political content. The work is interpreted as a reference to the meeting between Pope Leo X and King Francis I of France, perhaps made to celebrate the marriage of Giuliano de' Medici to Filiberta of Savoy. In the drawing, the wolf represents the Pope or the Church, while the crowned eagle on a globe symbolises the French sovereign or, alternatively, the German emperor.
Considered one of the earliest examples of a political cartoon, the work shows Leonardo's refined mastery of perspective and movement. The eagle emerges as the dominant, majestic figure, while the wolf appears weaker and marginal. Unlike his scientific studies, this allegory reveals the satirical and political side of Leonardo, an aspect rarely seen in his artistic output.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in) With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
