Michelangelo Buonarroti, The Virgin and Child with the Young Baptist

Studies of plants and animals will then demonstrate the artists’ study of the natural world. A notable example is a plaster study of an ostrich from 1550, attributed to Titian. The bird’s convincing proportions and position indicate that the artist had seen a live ostrich. This striking subject is one of twelve works exhibited for the first time in the UK. A section exploring designs for the applied arts will also show that leading Renaissance artists were skilled all-round designers.

An example is the Costume Study for a Mask by Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1517–18. In this extravagant study, Leonardo demonstrates his skills through the rich layering of fabrics, including ribbons, scallops, feathers, and fur. The exhibition will also feature works by lesser-known artists. These include Paolo Farinati’s c.1590 study of three mythological figures under an arch, on which the artist wrote instructions to his assistants: “You can do it as you like when you are on the scaffolding.” Also on display for the first time will be a large ink study of Saint Jerome by Bartolomeo Passarotti, from around 1580, an artist specializing in vigorous pen drawings. The final room will explore sacred compositions, such as Michelangelo’s Virgin and Child and Young Baptist, from around 1532, and secular compositions, including fresco drawings by members of the Carracci family.