SKETCH: Leonardo da Vinci
How many different faces do you see in this sketch? I see at least 3 different caricature faces. From a distance I first see a large caricature face turned slightly to the left with eyes closed.
A second caricature face here.
And a third caricature face here.
Throughout my site I've attempted to share an amazing discovery found within Leonardo da Vinci's works of art seen very easily by simply viewing his work from a distance and from different angles. The images seen above are all found by simply flipping the sketch upside down and reversing the image. If you know much at all about Leonardo da Vinci, you know of his unique style of "mirror writing" requiring viewers to hold his writing up in front of a mirror in order to decipher his hand writing; so, isn't it logical to apply this same technique to his works of art?
Upside down, reversed view of the entire sketch. If you keep staring at this sketch from different distances and angles (try tilting your head from one side then the other) you should begin to notice many more distinct hidden images found all over this sketch.
What appears to look like the face of a cat outlined in green.
What has come to be known as "the infamous letter R" I keep finding hidden within so many of da Vinci's works of art.
Here is the actual sketch you've been viewing:
PORTRAIT OF A GROTESQUE OLD WOMAN: Leonardo da Vinci Red Chalk on paper.
Royal Collection - Drawings, Watercolours and Pastels
Reversed image with color removed. (Removing color isn't necessary, but some may find it helps.) One of the first things I see, in this reversed view, are what appear as distinct numbers and/or letters.
The number 3 and 2 outlined in green and a possible number 5 or the letter S shown in the ear, though that could be a simple common anomally, but the 3 and 2 seem very deliberate. Don't they?
In addition to the many hidden images I've pointed out so far there are many far more amazing optical illusions of images skillfully hidden within this sketch. They can take a little more practice to find and if you're new to my site you may want to stick to the more basic or simple "art of illusion' that I examine throughout my site before you try this more complex "art of illusion."
For those of you who have completely grasped the concept of da Vinci's more complex illusions I'm sure you'll find this sketch particularly enjoyable and challenging.
Here are a few more angles and remember to try viewing from different distances as well.
Upside down view.
Rotated right.
Rotated left.
Original view shown with color removed.
Are you seeing these amazing illusions?
If you're not on my main page click here: www.n2davinciandbeyond.com/
N 2 DA VINCI AND BEYOND...
VIRGIN OF THE ROCKS: LEONARDO DA VINCI National Gallery-London (Black and white view.) 
Close up of reversed upside down image reveals a Masked Face. Click on image for larger view.
Shown in negative a Scary Face.
