The digitization of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Codex Atlanticus has been completed, making it available to the public online. This collection of over 1,100 documents showcases the brilliant mind of the ultimate Renaissance man, from engineering diagrams to fables and even a handwritten resume.
As a city known for its rich history and artistic heritage, Milan holds a special connection to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent much of his life here. This digitization not only offers a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest geniuses but also highlights the close relationship between art and science in Renaissance culture.
The Codex Atlanticus consists of 12 volumes and spans Leonardo’s entire career, from 1478 to 1519. It was acquired by sculptor Pompeo Leoni, a student of Leonardo’s, and later taken from Milan by Napoleon before being returned to the city in the 19th century. The collection is now housed in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, making it easily accessible for visitors to the city.
Biblioteca Ambrosiana is open Monday to Sunday 10.00-18.00 (the ticket office closes at 17.30). Closed on Wednesday.
But what sets this digital copy apart is its level of detail and access. The collection includes not only engineering diagrams and anatomical studies, but also poems and fables written by Leonardo. It offers a unique perspective into the mind of a man who excelled in both the arts and sciences.
This digital documentation also fits into the wider trend of making historical documents and works of art more accessible to the public. As technology advances, so does our ability to preserve and share cultural treasures. This is especially relevant for travelers and expats who may not have the opportunity to visit Milan and see the Codex Atlanticus in person or who have seen it and want to study it more from home.
For those interested in delving deeper into Leonardo’s mind, the digitized collection also includes his famous “CV,” or letter to the Duke of Milan detailing his qualifications as a military engineer. It’s a fascinating look at how even his artistic pursuits were approached with a technical mindset.
Further reading:
See the complete digitization of Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus here.
Official website of Biblioteca Ambrosiana: https://ambrosiana.it/
More from MilanoStyle: https://milanostyle.com/category/best-of-milan/
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