LEONARDO da Vinci
(b. 1452, Vinci, d. 1519, Cloux, near Amboise)

Codex on the flight of birds

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Pen and ink on paper, 210 x 150 mm
Biblioteca Reale, Turin

In order to develop his flying machines, Leonardo systematically studied the flight of birds. On this sheet he recorded the observation that birds made use of varying winds when gliding, and he noted this down in small sketches on the margin.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 5 minutes):
Clément Jannequin: The Birds (Le chant des oiseaux)