Documents Holder da Vinci - Manuscripts

This briefcase is illustrated with various notebooks by Leonardo da Vinci held at the Institut de France.

Description of the notebooks:
These twelve notebooks date from around 1487 to 1508. Varied in format and content, they are more scientific and technical than artistic. Some are very small and could...

This briefcase is illustrated with various notebooks by Leonardo da Vinci held at the Institut de France.

Description of the notebooks:
These twelve notebooks date from around 1487 to 1508. Varied in format and content, they are more scientific and technical than artistic. Some are very small and could fit in the artist's pocket. They contain notes, sketches and drafts of treatises on various subjects, not all of which have yet lost their mystery.

The handwriting of Leonardo da Vinci - who was left-handed - is inverted and reads from right to left. His language is Italian, mixed with Lombard dialect. His spelling is personal, and he uses no punctuation or accentuation.

At the end of the 18th century, these notebooks were distinguished by the letters A to M, which still characterize them today.

Leonardo da Vinci Manuscripts © Institut de France