Leonardo da Vinci's Lesser‑Known Works: Grotesque Drawings Interpreted as Moral Portraits and a Rediscovered Fable

A new study by researcher Nathalie Popis and Professor emeritus Jean‑Charles Pomerol argues that Leonardo da Vinci’s so‑called grotesque sketches are not mere caricatures but moral portraits, where the facial expression reflects the subject’s soul. The authors link the drawings to the Renaissance revival of classical philosophy, noting that ancient Greek and Roman art used the face to convey character and virtue.

Separate research highlights a little‑known literary side of Leonardo: a fable titled “The spider and the grape.” In the tale, a spider preys on flies attracted to a bunch of grapes, only to be crushed when the farmer harvests the grapes, illustrating that deceitful advantage ultimately leads to one’s downfall. The story was illustrated with AI imagery and underscores Leonardo’s broader interest in moral instruction through nature.

Both pieces reinforce Leonardo’s multifaceted legacy as an artist, thinker, and writer, revealing new dimensions of his work that extend beyond his famous paintings.