Compiled in Florence and Milan from 1506 to 1510, the 72-page manuscript is a diary of Leonardo’s scientific sketches and prescient theories on astronomy, geology and meteorology, among other subjects that drew the mind of this remarkable Renaissance man. In his trademark right-to-left “alla mancina” handwriting (legible with a mirror), Leonardo posits why the moon shines, why fossils from the sea can be found on mountain tops, even why the sky is blue. “Experience shows us,” he wrote “that air must have darkness beyond it and hence it appears blue.” The more than 300 illustrations include designs for a snorkel and submarine, as well as ideas on hydraulics and mechanics that place the artist far ahead of his time. About 20 of Leonardo’s notebooks exist: this one isn’t considered as rich in material as others, but they’re seldom for sale. Hence the staggering price: twice the previous record for an auctioned manuscript.
The new owner had no comment. His spokeswoman said, “Leonardo represents the fusion of art and science. I think that’s why he is of such interest to Bill Gates.” (Last year, Microsoft bought half of Continuum Productions, a company financed by Gates that has spent millions buying up the digital rights to famous art works.) The losing side at Christie’s was not pleased. “We thought it belonged in Italy as part of our cultural heritage,” said Cariplo’s Alessandro Penati. “We are very disappointed.” The “Codex Hammer,” as the notebook is called, will travel to museums around the world. Traditionally named after its owner (most recently Armand Hammer), this fascinating artifact might now be called the “Codex Gates .” Or maybe “Codex for Windows.” Leonardo would have liked that.
