The Mysteries of the Codex Atlanticus. Leonardo at the Ambrosiana

The cycle, planned by the College of Fellows of the Ambrosiana Library and curated by the greatest experts on the Tuscan genius, is sponsored by the National Committee and the Territorial Committee for the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci. The official partner of the Ambrosiana Library is the Fondazione Fiera Milano, which will actively collaborate in both the cycle of initiatives devoted to the Leonardo celebrations and the valorisation of Raphael’s preparatory cartoon for the fresco of the School of Athens in the Vatican.

On the left, Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 139r, Uomini al lavoro, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), 1480-1482 circa. Penna, inchiostro e carboncino nero, 196 × 255 mm
On the right, Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 149r, Armi varie e balestra gigante
, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), 1485-1492 circa. Penna, inchiostro, carboncino nero e acquerello, 413 × 277 mm

The Leonardo year at the Ambrosiana opens on 18 December 2018 with an exhibition in two parts, each lasting three months, which will present a total of 46 sheets, chosen from among the most famous and important of the Codex Atlanticus, the true Leonardo treasure at the Ambrosiana, retracing the career of the artist almost from beginning to end, from his early years in Florentine until his last years in France in the service of Francis I.

In particular, the exhibition on “The Secrets of the Codex Atlanticus. Leonardo at the Ambrosiana”, curated by the College of Fellows of the Ambrosiana Library, will focus on those sheets that preserve the most fascinating drawings that Leonardo created with the artistic genius that is universally recognised as his hallmark.

The first part of the exhibition – from 18 December 2018 to 17 March 2019 – opens with Leonardo’s drawings specifically related to the city of Milan. they include the famous plan of the city, with a bird’s eye view of the centre of Milan, a study for the Canal of San Cristoforo, the project for the equestrian monument in honour of Duke Francesco Sforza and studies for the dome of the cathedral. The exhibition continues with some perspective studies and designs of an architectural-military character, as well as some sheets with very fine drawings of weapons of war (crossbows, slings and mortars), studies for the construction of mechanical wings intended for stage productions and the famous project known as “Leonardo car”.

On the left, Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 812r (+ particolare del f. 114r), L’automobile di Leonardo, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), 1478 circa. Penna e inchiostro, 169 × 270 mm
On the right, Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 72r, Cavallo del Monumento Sforza, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), 1503-1504 circa. Punta di stilo, matita nera, penna e inchiostro, 487×340 mm

The second part – from 19 March to 16 June 2019 – will present some projects for siege engines, but will focus in particular on civil engineering studies: hydraulic devices, rope-making machines, machines for manufacturing textiles, for the production of mechanical instruments, tools such as punches and automatic spit-turning devices.

The Leonardian year at the Ambrosiana will then continue with the exhibition “Leonardo in France. Drawings in the Codex Atlanticus from the French period”, curated by Pietro C. Marani (18 June – 15 September 2019) and will end with the exhibition “Leonardo and his Legacy: Artists and Techniques” (17 September 2018 – 12 January 2020), curated by Benedetta Spadaccini and dedicated to the drawings made by Leonardo and the artists in his circle.