Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan

'Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan' has just opened at the Sainsbury's Wing of the National Gallery. The show is the most complete display of Leonardo's rare surviving paintings ever held. This unprecedented exhibition - the first of its kind anywhere in the world - brings together sensational international loans never before seen in the UK.

While numerous exhibitions have looked at Leonardo da Vinci as an inventor, scientist or draughtsman, this is the first to be dedicated to his aims and techniques as a painter. Inspired by the recently restored National Gallery painting, The Virgin of the Rocks, this exhibition focuses on Leonardo as an artist. In particular it concentrates on the work he produced as court painter to Duke Lodovico Sforza in Milan in the late 1480s and 1490s.

As a painter, Leonardo aimed to convince viewers of the reality of what they were seeing while still aspiring to create ideals of beauty - particularly in his exquisite portraits - and, in his religious works, to convey a sense of awe-inspiring mystery.

Featuring the finest paintings and drawings by Leonardo and his followers, the exhibition examines Leonardo's pursuit for perfection in his representation of the human form. Works on display include 'La Belle Ferronière' (Musée du Louvre, Paris), the 'Madonna Litta' (Hermitage, Saint Petersburg) and 'Saint Jerome' (Pinacoteca Vaticana, Rome).

The two versions of Leonardo's 'Virgin of the Rocks' - belonging to the National Gallery and the Louvre - will also be shown together for the first time.

The final part of the exhibition features a near-contemporary, full-scale copy of Leonardo's famous 'Last Supper', on loan from the Royal Academy. Seen alongside all the surviving preparatory drawings made by Leonardo for the 'Last Supper', visitors will discover how such a large-scale painting was designed and executed.

The exhibition runs from 9 November 2011 - 5 February 2012, but organisers warn it is essential to book in advance as tickets are selling very quickly.

To see an excellent short film about the exhibition visit: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/leonardo-exhibition-film