Dated Notes

Overview

Scattered through the notebooks are entries that Leonardo dated — sometimes precisely, sometimes approximately. These are invaluable because Leonardo almost never dated his work. Richter and other scholars have used these entries to build a chronology of Leonardo's activities, movements, and projects.

The entries range from the mundane (household expenses, lists of things to pack) to the momentous (beginning a book on the human figure, recommencing work on the great horse). Together they form a fragmented diary — never intended as one — of a life in constant motion between Milan, Florence, Rome, and France.

On the 2nd day of April 1489. Book entitled "Of the Human Figure."

This marks the formal beginning of Leonardo's anatomical studies, which would continue for over 20 years.

On the 23rd of April 1490 I began this book and recommenced the horse.

MS. C — Refers to the equestrian statue for Ludovico Sforza. The clay model would be completed and displayed in 1493. See Sculpture & Casting.

On the 16th day of July. Caterina came on the 16th day of July 1493.

Most scholars believe this is Leonardo's mother, Caterina, who came to live with him in Milan. She died in 1495; Leonardo recorded her funeral expenses in the notebooks.

Begun by me, Leonardo da Vinci, on the 12th of July 1505.

Codex on the Flight of Birds, Turin. One of the few manuscripts Leonardo signed and dated on the first page.

On the 9th of July 1504, Wednesday, at seven o'clock, died Ser Piero da Vinci, notary at the Palazzo del Podestà, my father — at seven o'clock, being eighty years old, leaving behind ten sons and two daughters.

C.A. — Leonardo records his father's death with a characteristic blend of precision and emotional restraint.