Leonardo

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was a painter, sculptor, inventor, philosopher and researcher. He is considered one of the most important polymaths of all time. "I will keep the memory of myself in the minds of others" was one of his mottos. Best known are his paintings such as the "Mona Lisa", "The Last Supper" or the drawing of the Vitruvian Man. But he also left behind an extensive collection of handwritten documents in his notebooks. These books are called "Codici" and have many sub-names (Codex Atlanticus, Codex Madrid, Codex Trivulzianus etc.). They contain many sketches of groundbreaking inventions as well as studies and reflections across all fields of knowledge. The left-handed Leonardo da Vinci wrote the texts in mirror writing. Due to wars and other circumstances, the books were scattered all over Europe and much was lost. Leonardo da Vinci wanted to leave a kind of encyclopaedia for posterity. It is estimated that up to 80% of his manuscripts may have been lost. Nevertheless, there are around 6,000 sheets as an estate, the contents of which were often only understood centuries later.