In this drawing, which is one of a series on the theme of “The Deluge”, Leonardo explores the power of nature with great imagination.

In the bottom right-hand corner, horsemen encounter a hurricane and are blown off their feet and forced to the ground. Beyond them are trees uprooted and bent to the ground by the wind.

Above, rain pours down from a gigantic water spout and in the clouds storm gods drive the forces of wind, lending a mythical flavour to the drawing.