Early 16th century

Leda and the Swan

This painting of the standing Leda is based on Leonardo da Vinci's now-lost version of the same subject, known today mainly through copies. Leda embraces Zeus, who came to her in the form of a swan, while turning to observe the two sets of newly hatched twins, the result of their union. The Netherlandish landscape suggests a departure from Leonardo's original. Two artists may have worked on this painting: one for the figures and another for the landscape. The composition evidences the practice of adopting Leonardo's models for different settings.