The architectural studies in the Codex Trivulzianus demonstrate Leonardo’s ability in designing civil and religious buildings. Other sketches testify to the artist’s more direct involvement in a competition held in 1487 to present new models for the tiburio of Milan Cathedral, which had been awaiting completion for some time. Based on remaining materials of the artist, it would appear he envisaged for the city’s Cathedral a double-shell cupola that would have presented eight sides internally and four externally.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 5. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 5. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Architectural drawing of a room illuminated from above.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 7. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 7. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
A system of cords and pulleys for the curtains for Ludovico Il Moro’s silverware.
Barrel-vault.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 15. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 15. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Eight studies for the elevation of the cupola of Milan Cathedral.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 16. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 16. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Studies for the plan of the tiburio of Milan Cathedral. Ogival section of the cupola of the Cathedral.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 17. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 17. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Sections of the tambour and cupola of Milan Cathedral.
External view of the cupola of Milan Cathedral, with eight large apses.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 21. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 21. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Plan of the tiburio of Milan Cathedral.
Sketches of drapery.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 41 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 41 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Architecture studies for Milan Cathedral.
Cross pylons for the connection of the double-shell cupola of Milan Cathedral.
Section of the double-shell cupola of Milan Cathedral.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 44 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 44 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Octagonal plan of the tiburio of Milan Cathedral, with apses leading off.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 31 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 31 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Detail of the “clean stable”, the famous model stable designed by Leonardo, showing a cutaway view of the underground passage for waste discharge.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 42 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 42 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Part of a building façade, richly decorated, perhaps the famous “clean stable” (model stable) designed by Leonardo.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 43 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 43 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Perspective view of the “clean stable”, the famous model stable designed by Leonardo, showing the floor of the two lateral corridors (where the animals are) sloping towards the central corridor, to enable drainage.
Sketches of sliding hinges.
