Leonardo da Vinci

We have received four nice postcards of Leonardo da Vinci in envelope. I and Nina are big admirers of this inventor, painter, sculptor, scientist, engineer, anatomist, geologist, astronomer and overall great mind.

This is Vitruvian man. The drawing, which is in pen and ink on paper, depicts a man in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart and inscribed in a circle and square.

 This is Aerial Screw. Though the first actual helicopter wasn’t built until the 1940s, it is believed that Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches from the late fifteenth century were the predecessor to the modern day flying machine. As with many of da Vinci’s ideas, he never actually built and tested it – but his notes and drawings mapped out exactly how the device would operate.

This is Mechanical Wing (Circa 1490). He designed a number of man powered flying machines with mechanical wings that flapped.

This is Giant Crossbow. Designed for pure intimidation, da Vinci’s crossbow was to measure 27 yards across. The idea behind the impressive weapon was to terrify enemies into fleeing rather than fighting.

This is complete set Excellence of Knowledge, issued on 2015-10-31.


Thank You very much Giuseppe!