The artwork, titled “Double manuscript page on the Sforza monument (Casting mold of the head and neck),” is attributed to the esteemed High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci and dates to around 1493, during his time in Milan, Italy. This design, rendered in chalk on paper, measures 21 by 30 centimeters. It is a testament to da Vinci’s multifaceted skills, straddling both art and engineering, and is housed at the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid, Spain.
Upon examining the artwork, one can observe two distinct sections. On the left side of the page, there are several mechanical devices sketched with precise lines, accompanied by handwritten notes, likely Leonardo’s observations or instructions related to these mechanisms. These technical drawings demonstrate Leonardo’s profound interest in mechanics and his capacity to think critically about the operation and fabrication of devices.
The right side of the artwork showcases a detailed network of lines forming the casting mold for the head and neck, revealing an intricate structure with a hatched pattern. This part of the artwork provides significant insight into the advanced techniques employed during the Renaissance for monumental sculpture projects, as well as Leonardo’s own innovative approaches to problem-solving in art production. The grid-like depiction suggests a method of constructing the mold that would have been necessary for casting a sculpture on a large scale, possibly for the infamous equestrian statue intended to honor Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan.
Leonardo da Vinci’s handwritten notes, incomprehensible to those not versed in his unique mirror-writing technique, offer an additional layer of mystery and intellect to this already compelling page of his oeuvre. The artwork not only presents aesthetic value but also serves as a historical document, highlighting the intersection of art, science, and technology during one of the most celebrated periods in the history of art.
