Fanstastical Hairdo Find...

[mollymishap]

...courtesy of Leonardo Da Vinci. 

I'd never seen  this image before, and it just ASTOUNDS me!  (I found it while trying to find info on the mysterious cap in Princess Sara's thread.)

I mean, if I saw someone with a do like that today, I'd think they were going to the prom or some fancy party, even wedding.  It's not far off from what I've seen the faire hair-braiders do. 

Anyway, I found it at www.pintura.aut.org which is a great resource!

Enjoy!

[LadyShadow]

Oh I so do agree.  That looks wonderful.

[LadyOren]

Wow   That's amazing.  The delicate knot work is just Wow, my problem would be sitting still while having it all done.

[operafantomet]

...courtesy of Leonardo Da Vinci. 

I'd never seen  this image before, and it just ASTOUNDS me!  (I found it while trying to find info on the mysterious cap in Princess Sara's thread.)

I mean, if I saw someone with a do like that today, I'd think they were going to the prom or some fancy party, even wedding.  It's not far off from what I've seen the faire hair-braiders do. 

Anyway, I found it at www.pintura.aut.org which is a great resource!

Enjoy!

Although historical sources writes that courtesans was known for fancyful braided hairdos (not specifying where and when), that Leonardo drawing might not reflect an actual hairdo. Reason is that he was rather obsessed with intricate braiding patterns - a decorative braiding technique for baskets was called "vinci", and he might have enjoyed the pun. If you look at the backside of the braid hairdo, you'll see that it reminds quite a bit of other "vinci" influenced stuff he did - for example the painted "braidwork ceiling" in the Sforza castle/palace in Milan:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/monalisa/leo1495-97vinci.jpg

The sketch above is a study for his (lost, or never finished) "Leda and the Swan", whose theme might further support the idea of an allegorical hairdo. So I think you're right when calling it "fantastical"!

But when THAT is said... His drawings are almost prettier than his paintings. His craftmanship in sketches and studies never cease to amaze me, especially his female studies. They make me completely gaga!

ETA: I was going to add some links for vinci basked braiding, but I couldn't find ANYTHING online... But I've read about it several places, I'll try to find the sources. I'm pretty sure the book "Leonardo - the Flights of the Mind" (Nicholl) deals with the topic.

[Adriana Rose]

I cant get the link to work for the modern take on that fab sketch


From what I know about braiding is that it looks like corn row braids and lots of weaving! I bet the ladies that braid hair at the Faires could pull that off with some practice. It would drive me nuts figureing it out though!