Paper
Name Class Date

Leonardo da Vinci, Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3., Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Leonardo da Vinci originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/leonardo-da-vinci/
Artist’s dates
1452 – 1519
Medium
Ink
Original size
20 x 14 cm
Movement
Renaissance The brief peak when balance, depth and anatomy came together — Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo.
Period
Renaissance
Held at
Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/archivio-storico-civico-e-biblioteca-trivulziana-milan/
Artistic style
Realistic
Influences
Renaissance Art
Notable elements or techniques
Blueprint sketches; Detailed anatomical studies
Subject or theme
Boat design; Aeronautical sketch

In context

Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. — Leonardo da Vinci

How big is it?

The original measures 20 × 14 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When might this have been painted?

  1. 1450
  2. 1460
  3. 1470
  4. 1480
  5. 1490
  6. 1500
  7. 1510

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 67 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1487 Main working years: 1487–1506 Late works: from 1506

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #cdcbb5

    Catalogued palette

    • #CDCBB5
    • #020202
    • #BDB99A
    • #7B775D

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Leonardo da Vinci over the last twelve months — 109 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 Italy 24.7%
    2. 2 France 22.1%
    3. 3 China 12.1%
    4. 4 Spain 11.3%
    5. 5 United States of America 3.9%
    6. 6 Germany 2.1%
    7. 7 Hong Kong 2.1%
    8. 8 Singapore 2.1%
    9. 9 Japan 1.9%
    10. 10 South Korea 1.3%
    11. · 99 other countries 16.4%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Leonardo da Vinci

    1. 1 Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), 1519 44.0%
    2. 2 Vitruvian Man 7.4%
    3. 3 The Last Supper, 1495 4.0%
    4. 4 Lady with an ermine, Czart, 1490 2.5%
    5. 5 The Last Supper, 1495 1.9%
    6. 6 The Baptism of Christ, 1475 1.8%
    7. 7 Annunciation, 1472 1.6%
    8. 8 Lady with an Ermine, 1490 1.4%
    9. 9 The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, 1513 1.4%
    10. 10 The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, 1510 1.2%
    11. 11 The Last Supper, 1497 1.1%
    12. 12 Salvator Mundi, 1500 1.0%
    13. 13 Saint John the Baptist, 1515 0.6%
    14. 14 Virgin of the Rocks - London, 1486 0.5%
    15. 15 Baptism of Christ, 1475 0.5%
    16. 16 Portrait of an Unknown Woman (La Belle Ferroniere), 1490 0.5%
    17. 17 Madonna Litta, 1490 0.5%
    18. 18 Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci, 1474 0.4%
    19. 19 La belle Ferronière, 1490 0.4%
    20. 446 Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 72.7% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 548 works by this artist, of which 477 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 446 of them, with 0.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    About this artwork

    Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. — Leonardo da Vinci

    A Blueprint for Flight: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Trivulzianus 2162, Folio 3

    The Codex Trivulzianus, housed in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana of Milan, represents more than just a collection of sketches; it embodies the restless intellect of Leonardo da Vinci—a man who dared to envision possibilities beyond his time. Specifically, folio 3 depicts a meticulously rendered drawing of what appears to be an aircraft design, predating powered flight by centuries and offering a breathtaking glimpse into Da Vinci’s revolutionary thinking. This seemingly simple sketch is imbued with layers of significance that extend far beyond its technical accuracy.

    Subject Matter: The drawing showcases a complex wing structure resembling a glider or ornithopter—a device inspired by the anatomy of birds, particularly eagles and vultures. Da Vinci’s detailed observations of avian flight fueled his ambition to recreate this natural phenomenon mechanically.

    Style & Technique: Executed in graphite on paper, the folio 3 drawing exemplifies Da Vinci's signature style—characterized by precise anatomical detail combined with inventive conceptualization. The shading is masterful, conveying a palpable sense of volume and realism despite its monochrome palette. Notice how Da Vinci captures the subtle curves and contours of the wing ribs and spars, mirroring the aerodynamic principles he sought to emulate.

    The Codex Trivulzianus wasn’t merely an artistic endeavor; it was rooted in the burgeoning scientific curiosity of the Renaissance. Da Vinci's investigations into mechanics, optics, and anatomy informed his artistic creations, demonstrating a profound interconnectedness between art and science—a hallmark of his genius. He meticulously documented his observations, sketching not just what he saw but also how it functioned. This dedication to empirical research distinguishes him from many of his contemporaries and underscores the transformative potential of combining observation with imagination.

    Historical Context: Da Vinci began working on this Codex around 1485-1490, during a period marked by significant advancements in engineering and exploration. The rediscovery of classical texts spurred intellectual debate about human capabilities and challenged established dogma. Leonardo’s pursuit of knowledge—his relentless questioning of accepted truths—mirrors the spirit of this era and reflects his unwavering belief in the power of reason to unlock the secrets of the universe.

    Symbolism: The aircraft design itself symbolizes Da Vinci's aspiration to transcend earthly limitations and achieve mastery over nature. It represents a bold attempt to harness natural forces—the flapping wings of birds—to propel human flight, embodying the humanist ideal of striving for excellence in all pursuits.

    Emotional Impact: Viewing folio 3 evokes a feeling of wonder and admiration for Da Vinci’s visionary intellect. It serves as a reminder that true innovation arises from daring to imagine what is possible—a concept that continues to inspire artists, scientists, and engineers today.

    A reproduction of Codex Trivulzianus Folio 3 offers an exceptional opportunity to bring this seminal artwork into your home or studio. WahooArt’s meticulous reproductions capture the subtle nuances of Da Vinci's graphite technique, allowing you to appreciate the brilliance of his conceptual vision alongside the beauty of his artistic execution. Explore our collection and discover how you can own a piece of history—a testament to the enduring legacy of Leonardo da Vinci.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Leonardo da Vinci

    Born in Vinci, Italy

    The Boy from Vinci

    In the quiet hills near the village of Vinci, a child named Lionardo di ser Piero da Vinci entered a world that would never truly contain his restless mind. Born to a Florentine notary and a peasant woman, his very beginnings were marked by an unconventional path, as his illegitimacy meant he was not destined to follow in his father's legal footsteps. Instead, this freedom allowed him to wander into the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. It was here, amidst the scent of oils and the dust of marble, that a young apprentice learned that seeing was the highest form of understanding. He did not merely study the brush; he studied the way light clings to a curved surface and how shadow dissolves the edges of a limb.

    His early years in Florence were defined by this intense observation. He absorbed the technical rigors of metalworking, carpentry, and drawing, building a foundation that merged the physical with the cerebral. While others sought only to replicate what they saw, he sought to understand the mechanics behind it. This period of growth was not marked by a sudden burst of fame, but by a slow, methodical accumulation of knowledge that would later allow him to bridge the gap between the artist's eye and the scientist's inquiry.

    The Milanese Years and the Pursuit of Motion

    When the winds of political change blew toward Milan, Leonardo followed the service of Ludovico Sforza. This move transformed him from a talented painter into a multifaceted presence within the ducal court. He arrived not merely as an artist, but as an engineer and designer, tasked with creating fortifications and even theatrical stage sets. It was during this long residency in Milan that he began to grapple with the profound drama of human interaction. In the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, he applied his observations of psychology to a large-scale fresco, capturing the precise, heavy moment of betrayal within a group of apostles.

    His mind during these years wandered far beyond the walls of the monastery. He filled notebooks with sketches of flying machines, advanced weaponry, and hydraulic systems, driven by a desire to map the hidden laws of nature. Yet, his ambitions often outpaced his ability to finish. A great equestrian statue, intended to honor the Sforza family, remained a dream of clay that was eventually shattered by invading French forces. This pattern of unfinished greatness followed him; he was a man who often found more satisfaction in the discovery of a principle than in the completion of a canvas.

    The Final Light in France

    A return to Florence brought with it a period of profound refinement. It was here that he worked on the portrait of a woman whose subtle, enigmatic expression would later haunt the halls of history. Through his use of sfumato, a technique where colors and tones blend so softly that they appear like smoke, he removed the harsh outlines of the world, creating an atmosphere that felt alive with breath and movement. His anatomical studies grew more precise during this time as well, fueled by his habit of dissecting cadavers to map the intricate architecture of bone and muscle.

    In his final years, under the invitation of King Francis I, Leonardo moved to the Château du Clos Lucé in France. Even as age perhaps slowed his hand, his intellect remained sharp, focused on the study of optics, geology, and botany. He died in 1519, leaving behind a legacy that was never truly finished, much like his many drawings. His life remains a singular example of what can be achieved when the boundaries between art and science are erased, proving that to truly see the world, one must be willing to study every shadow and every muscle within it.

    Museum

    Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana

    On show in Мілан, Italia

    Серце Мілана та скарби часу: Архівіо Сторіко Чівіко е Бібліотека Трівулціана

    У самому серці Мілана, під величним поглядом замку Сфорца, пульсує місце, чия історія така ж багата і сповнена мистецького життя, як і саме місто. Це – Архівіо Сторіко Чівіко е Бібліотека Трівулціана (Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana) – не просто архів або бібліотека, а радше живе скарбничка, брама у світ, де стародавні шедеври шепочуть свої таємниці крізь століття. Переступивши поріг цього місця, відчуваєш вагу часу в кожному кроці – кожен крок відкриває нові грані історії Мілана та Італійського півострова, складну мозаїку, сплетену з амбіцій, інновацій і художньої геніальності.

    Колекція вражає своїм масштабом і безцінністю. Уявіть собі, що стоїте перед кодексом Леонардо да Вінчі – незамінним вікном у розум найбільшого майстра епохи Відродження. Це не просто збірка креслень та нотаток; це відображення революційних ідей, пророчих знамень для сміливих винаходів, новаторських анатомічних досліджень та проникливих наукових спостережень. Майже відчуваєш творчу енергію, що вирувала в жилах Да Вінчі, коли він прагнув переступити межі знань і мистецтва, які ми сьогодні вважаємо само собою зрозумілими. Поряд з цим знаковим документом відкривається для нас "Божественна комедія" Данте Аліг'єрі – оригінальний рукопис, де готичне письмо танцює на пергаменті, занурюючи читача в алегоричну подорож крізь пустелі пекла, безкраї простори чистилища та райські сади. Це глибоко зворушливий досвід, що резонує з душею і нагадує про силу слова творити наше розуміння світу.

    Скарби бібліотеки: Інкунабули та історичні документи

    Але Трівулціанська бібліотека приховує в собі значно більше, ніж ці знакомі твори. Це справжній скарбниця знань, де колекція інкунабул – книг, надрукованих після 1501 року – пропонує захопливий погляд на раннє мистецтво друкарства та його революційний вплив на поширення інформації. Ці стародавні видання, часто прикрашені вишуканими мініатюрами та елегантним шрифтом, є свідченням винахідливості ренесансних друкарів – справжні твори мистецтва, створені з точністю і витонченістю, що заслуговують на захоплення. Кожна сторінка – це вікно в минуле, нагадування про невгамовну спрагу людства до знань та розуміння.

    Існують також історичні документи – листи, есе, офіційні архіви – які розповідають історію Мілана протягом століть. Кожен документ є частиною складної головоломки, що дозволяє реконструювати розвиток міста з новими та дивовижними деталями. Можна уявити драматичні події, що відбувалися всередині цих стін – інтриги при дворі, політичні союзи, мистецькі прориви – все збережено в цих тендітних документах.

    Замок Сфорца: Королівський фон

    Розташування Архівіо Сторіко Чівіко е Бібліотека Трівулціана у величному замку Сфорца не випадкове. Збудований у XV столітті герцогом Франческо Сфорца, замок надає бібліотеці відчуття значущості та урочистості. Великі брами, зубчасті мури та елегантні внутрішні двори створюють атмосферу, яка підкреслює чарівність збережених творів. Сам замок є свідченням могутності та покровительства династії Сфорца – династії, що залишила незабутній слід в історії Мілана. Прогулянка коридорами замку занурює у багатство історії та легенд, дозволяючи уявити, яким було життя всередині цих стін.

    Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana – це не просто статичний музей; це жива організація, яка постійно розвивається. Реставраційна майстерня, заснована в 1978 році, символізує відданість збереженню культурної спадщини для майбутніх поколінь. Команда експертів з пристрастю та самовідданістю працює над реставрацією стародавніх рукописів і книг, використовуючи інноваційні технології та найсучасніші матеріали у боротьбі з плином часу. Одночасно амбітний проект цифрової оцифровки робить колекції доступними для дослідників та любителів мистецтва по всьому світу, демократизуючи знання та захищаючи оригінальні твори. Це унікальне місце у світі, де минуле і сьогодення постійно зустрічаються, пропонуючи кожному можливість відкрити корені нашої культури та черпати натхнення з безсмертної краси мистецтва та знань.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3.

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Vinci, Leonardo da. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3.. n.d., Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/
    APA
    Vinci, Leonardo da (n.d.). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. [Painting]. Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/
    Chicago
    Leonardo da Vinci. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3.. n.d. Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/
    Harvard
    Vinci, Leonardo da (n.d.) Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3.. Archivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/leonardo-da-vinci-codex-trivulzianus-2162-p-3-DAR9YY-en/

    Look closely

    Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. — Leonardo da Vinci

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: engineering sketch, renaissance drawing. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) (1519), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Renaissance: The brief peak when balance, depth and anatomy came together — Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Art quiz

    Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3. — Leonardo da Vinci

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What is the primary subject matter depicted in Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3?

      • A A Detailed Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci
      • B A Complex Architectural Design
      • C A Sketch Blueprint for a Boat and Airplane
    2. 2. The photograph showcases a black and white drawing on paper. What artistic technique is most likely employed in this depiction?

      • A Oil Painting
      • B Watercolor Rendering
      • C Pencil Sketch
    3. 3. Leonardo da Vinci's apprenticeship under Andrea del Verrocchio significantly influenced his artistic development. What was a key aspect of this collaboration?

      • A Verrocchio solely focused on sculpting, while Leonardo primarily painted.
      • B They worked together on numerous ambitious projects combining art and engineering.
      • C Verrocchio discouraged Leonardo from experimenting with new artistic styles.
    4. 4. Considering Leonardo da Vinci's broader interests beyond painting, Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3 exemplifies his fascination with...

      • A Religious iconography and symbolism
      • B Classical mythology and sculpture
      • C Scientific observation and invention
    5. 5. The inclusion of an airplane sketch on the page highlights Leonardo da Vinci's visionary thinking. What does this detail suggest about his understanding of...

      • A Medieval architectural styles
      • B Renaissance humanist ideals
      • C Future technological advancements

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1C · 2C · 3B · 4C · 5C

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Questions & Answers

    What is a reproduction of "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." by Leonardo da Vinci recommended for?

    The suggested use for "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." by Leonardo da Vinci is conversation. It can serve other purposes as well.

    What does "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." share with the rest of Leonardo da Vinci's output?

    "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." belongs to Leonardo da Vinci's Renaissance work, whose recorded themes include scientific observation, innovation, renaissance vision, engineering blueprint, da vinci legacy.

    From which country does the Renaissance work "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." come?

    "Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 3." connects the Renaissance movement with Italy through its creator's birthplace.