Vetruvian Man poster – Leonardo da Vinci – c1490

Poster: Vetruvian Man poster – Leonardo da Vinci – c1490

The Vitruvian Man, known in Italian as L’uomo vitruviano, is a drawing made by Leonardo da Vinci in about 1490. Da Vinci created the masterpiece in pen and ink on paper. It features a male figure standing in two superimposed positions. The figure is drawn standing inside both a circle and a square with the arms and legs drawn in two different positions, while the rest of the body stays in one position. Above and below the drawing are notes based on the work of the architect Vitruvius.

 It is based on the ideal proportions of a man’s body, and how this relates to geometry. This relationship was described by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius in Book III of his treatise De architectura. Vitruvius wrote the human figure was the main source of proportion among the Classical orders of architecture. He wrote that the ideal body should be eight heads tall. Da Vinci’s drawing is traditionally named in honour of the architect.

Our posters are carefully and professionally created from vintage originals. Whilst great care is taken in the production of these posters, we also try to maintain a vintage feel, so there may be small imperfections, fold marks, scuffs, tears or marks that were part of the original poster master. If these do appear they should be visible on the larger views of the item on this listing. The originals of many of the posters we offer can cost many thousands of pounds, so whilst these posters look great, especially framed and mounted on a wall, they are intended as fun, affordable reproductions and not intended fine art prints.

The 50x70cm version has been specially produced to be used in conjunction with Ikea’s 50x70cm Ribba picture frame which currently retails for around £12. So you can bag a print and a frame for a great price.