New stamps to feature Leonardo da Vinci drawings

A new set of stamps is being published featuring drawings by Leonardo da Vinci to mark 500 years since the artist’s death.

The 12 stamps feature drawings from exhibitions being held across the UK this year.

They include a drawing of St Philip, a preparatory work for Leonardo’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, and a pen and ink drawing of sleeping cats.

Martin Clayton, head of prints and drawings at the Royal Collection Trust, said: “Alongside an ambitious programme of 12 exhibitions around the UK, then exhibitions at The Queen’s Galleries in London and Edinburgh, we are thrilled to be working with Royal Mail on this special 12-stamp set, which invites everyone to join the celebration of Leonardo and his work in 2019.”

Philip Parker, of Royal Mail, said: “500 years after his death, Leonardo’s drawings continue to inspire and intrigue us.

“We are delighted to feature 12 of the finest examples from the Royal Collection on these stamps.”