The Codex Trivulzianus

Leonardo's Attempt to Organise and Arrange that Part of the Italian Language Which Deals with Science, Philosophy, and Academic Subjects in General

[C] ompiled about 1487-1490, The Codex Trivulzianus records Leonardo's attempt to organise and arrange that part of the Italian language which deals with science, philosophy, and academic subjects in general. Many of the words collected here derive form the Latin language, and almost all them are drawn from such famous Renaissance works as Roberto Valturius’ De re militari and Luigi Pulci’s Vocabulista . Leonardo was to interpret many of them, giving them new meaning and using them in different contexts.

This is an exceptional document for the study of that period of the Italian language during which rules and spellings were not yet firmly established. In addition to the famous word lists, The Codex Trivulzianus contains an important series of architectural drawings, which are primarily studies pertaining to a competition held to complete the construction of Milan Cathedral. There is also evidence of Leonardo’s ongoing interest in warfare and weaponry, and a curious gallery of real and imaginary portraits.

In this edition the facsimile is accompanied by a volume with the diplomatic and critical transcription by Anna Maria Brizio (available in English) and reproductions of invisible figures revealed by special photographs.

The leather covered box (size 250 x 360 mm), with gold stamping, contains the facsimile and a text volume of 138 pages, printed on handmade paper and bound in Fabriano paper. The Facsimile is limited to 998 numbered sets world-wide.