Da Vinci Horse Chiffon Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A sublime Fox & Chave silk chiffon scarf in earthy tones featuring a design of sketches by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) for an unfinished equine sculpture dubbed Il Gran Cavallo.

Sometimes referred to as Leonardo's Horse, or Sforza's Horse after Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan who commissioned the gargantuan bronze statue in 1482.

Gran Cavallo was designed to be 24 feet (7.3 meters) tall, making it the largest equestrian statue of its time. Leonardo’s plans called for approximately 75 tons of bronze. However, the metal intended for the sculpture was repurposed by the Duke to make cannons to defend the city from the invasion of Charles VIII of France, so the final statue was never realised.

Sforza, was not only a patron of the arts but also an expert in cryptography. He employed secret codes and ciphers to communicate during his political maneuverings, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with hidden knowledge and intelligence.

COLOURS

STYLING

There are many ways to style a Fox & Chave chiffon silk scarf including the basic drape, belted drape and reverse drape. Our chiffon silk scarfs look really good worn in the bandit knot or faux infinity style too. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.