A design by Leonardo da Vinci for a fantastical dragon costume is one of more than 80 drawings by 57 different artists that have gone on display as part of the widest-ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings for over half a century in Scotland.
Drawings by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and more are among 45 works going on display in Scotland for the first time as part of Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Following a critically acclaimed showing in London, the exhibition explores the variety and range of drawings in this period, from preparatory studies for paintings and altarpieces to designs for sculpture and elaborate drawings which were made as gifts. Drawings were often discarded after they had served their purpose, with only a small proportion surviving, but the works on display have been carefully preserved in the Royal Collection for centuries, allowing them to be enjoyed almost as vividly as when they were created.
Lauren Porter, curator of the exhibition, said “This is a remarkable opportunity to share so many of the Italian Renaissance drawings from the Royal Collection, with over half being shown in Scotland for the first time. As works on paper cannot be permanently displayed for conservation reasons, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to view these drawings up close, giving a unique insight into the minds of the great artists who made them.”
Drawing the Italian Renaissance is now open at The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse until 1 March 2026.
The King’s Gallery will offer £1 tickets for the exhibition to visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Further concessionary rates are available, including discounted tickets for young people, half-price entry for children (with under-fives free), and the option to convert standard tickets bought directly from Royal Collection Trust into a 1-Year Pass for unlimited re-entry for 12 months.
Visitor information and tickets for The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse can be found at www.rct.uk
