A LEONARDO da Vinci study of hands revealed in what appears to be blank sheets of paper is going on display in a new exhibition of the Renaissance master’s work.

Windsor Castle is unlocking the Royal Collection’s Da Vinci drawings to mark the 500th anniversary of his death, with two exhibitions in Scotland.

The “treasures” will be shown in February next year across the UK, with each venue displaying 12 of Da Vinci’s finest drawings.

The Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace will then show, in May next year, “the largest exhibition” of his work in over 65 years, with 200 works on display.

A selection of 80 drawings will travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in November 2019 – the largest group of his works to be shown in Scotland.

An exhibition of 12 drawings will be available at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in 2019 from February 1 to May 6.

Recent examination of two blank pieces of papers in ultraviolet light revealed the sheets to be studies of hands for the Adoration Of The Magi and among Leonardo’s most beautiful drawings.

Martin Clayton, head of prints and drawings at the Royal Collection Trust, said: “Because they have been protected from light, fire, insects, the drawings are in almost pristine condition.”