The Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo
2 December 2026
2:00-3:00pm
Print Room, Ashmolean Musuem -, Oxford
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Dates:
2 December 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£25.00
Juliana Barone at the Ashmolean Museum
Leonardo invented new drawing techniques which not only revolutionalised artistic practice and working methods, but also transformed the status of drawing itself. Through a careful selection of drawings by Leonardo and Michelangelo treasured in the Ashmolean Museum, this guided viewing examines the innovations introduced by Leonardo and the extent to which they inspired Michelangelo in the development of his own style. Although Leonardo and Michelangelo were great rivals, the former’s drawing techniques and ways of creating compositions were a major stimulus to the latter.
We will start by discussing some of Leonardo’s drawings and look at key copies and adaptations made by Michelangelo. Then we will proceed to an examination of the Michelangelo’s drawings chronologically. Particular attention will be given to the contrast between traditional and new drawing tools, materials, techniques and working methods, including their uses of the style, metalpoint, red and black chalks, and pen and ink. We will also consider the different functions of these drawings and their relationships with (or lack of) their paintings and sculptures.
Please note:
- This event closes for enrolment at 23:59 GMT on 29 November 2026.
- This event will take in the Print Room at the Ashmolean which is only accessible via stairs (no lift) so please consider this before booking.
- Spaces are limited to 12 so early booking is advised.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Programme details
1.50pm
Registration at the entrance to Ashmolean Museum
2pm
Tour
3pm
Tour ends
Recommended reading
Bambach, C., Leonardo da Vinci. Master Draftsman (Metropolitan Museum, 2003)
Bambach, C., Michelangelo: Divine draftsman and designer (Metropolitan Museum, 2017)
Hirst, M., Michelangelo and his drawings (Yale University Press, 1996)
Popham, A. E., The Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci (Pimlico, 1994)
Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation at Rewley House in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Dr Juliana Barone
Juliana Barone is a Leonardo da Vinci specialist. She was awarded her Doctorate at Trinity College, Oxford University, had a Junior Research Fellowship at St John’s College, Oxford University, and is both Research Fellow at the Warburg Institute and Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck College, University of London. She has published extensively on Renaissance art and theory, and in particular on Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, paintings and notebooks. She has taught at Oxford University, Birkbeck College, and the Biblioteca Leonardiana (Vinci). She has also curated exhibitions in London, Milan and Florence.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event fee | £25.00 |
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Module code: O26P102ARJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
