The flight of the shrike. The ornithological representation in the <em>Baptism of Christ</em> (1470-1475 c.) by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci

Abstract

The artists of the Italian Renaissance were keen observers of nature. Their works are often enriched with realistic details that inform us about the high degree of their scientific knowledge. In the particular case of the Baptism of Christ (1470-1475 c.) by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, the careful depiction of certain bird species, including a red-backed shrike and a redstart, reveals precise meanings closely related to Christological symbolism.

Keywords

• Andrea del Verrocchio
• Leonardo da Vinci
• red-backed shrike
• redstart