The da Vinci Machines
Inventions and Designs of a Genius
26 March - 28 May 2006
'The da Vinci Machines – Inventions and Designs of a Genius' exhibition is based on Leonardo's famous codices and features authentic reconstructions of military, mechanical, hydraulic and flying machines by Florentine artisans using materials available in 15th Century Italy. Each model was built according to Leonardo's notes and drawings by the Teknoart Group, a team of Florentine Artisans.
In conjunction with the exhibition Puke Ariki will present an outstanding events programme that will run for the duration of the show.
About Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was born in the Tuscan town of Vinci in 1452, an unwanted, illegitimate son of a local lawyer and peasant girl. He was apprenticed as a painter in Florence eventually becoming a 'master' in his own right after being allowed to paint his first angel in Andrea del Verrocchio's Baptism of Christ. It is said the angel was so beautiful that Leonardo's master abandoned painting forever!
Leonardo moved to Milan in 1482 where he offered his services to the Duke of Milan as an engineer, sculptor and architect. He became chief military engineer, a position he held for 17 years.
He also showed remarkable insight in the world of science, geology and anatomy. Leonardo was the first man to dissect an eye and discover the optic nerve connected to the brain and postulated for the first time that light travels in a straight line at a given speed.
Leonardo died in 1519, some say in the arms of the French King, Francis 1st, others that he died alone. Although much mystery still surrounds the man, his legacy to the world remains relevant and impressive to this day.
Click here for the Exhibiton Events Programme