The Rediscovered Watermark in the Drawing <i>Leda and the Swan</i> by Raphael Kept at Windsor Castle

• Main Author: Claudio Calì
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Arts
• Subjects: Raphael; Leonardo da Vinci; Leda; design; paper-based watermark; digitisation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0752/10/2/33

This article presents an in-depth study of Raphael’s drawing of <i>Leda and the Swan</i> (RCIN 912759), preserved at Windsor Castle. The research aims to make the paper’s physical properties accessible and extend the information on the watermark. The methodology follows an artistic–design-oriented approach. The data extraction process uses a back-lighting photographic technique combined with image post-processing operations. The work catalogues in scientific terms the complete paper mould lines of the Windsor sheet according to the International Standard of Paper Classification (IPH). Based on comparisons with a series of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, the contribution suggests a chronological and provenance estimate of the paper used by Raphael.