Water studies

During the years of his early youth spent in Vinci, Leonardo began to be attracted to water: that of the Montalbano streams, as well as that of the Arno, a capricious river, with its irregular flows and riverbed, but nonetheless an important means of communication and an indispensable driving force for the factories along its banks.

The theme of water is a constant in Leonardo’s studies, which alternated among theoretical reflections on the nature of the element, hydraulic engineering projects for water control, and designs for watercraft inspired by classical tradition, intended to make navigation quicker.

Leonardo also set himself the problem of exploiting the driving force of water, using paddle wheels, to operate labor-saving machines, such as the hydraulic saw and mills.

Finally, while engaged in the project for diverting and straightening of the Arno, Leonardo carried out cartographic surveys, which you can “navigate” through here thanks to the interactive table. Astonishing for their modernity, these today are a unique testimony to the shape of the river at that time, which then was extremely sinuous.