Project and realization:
IBM, 1952
Model from:
Leonardo da Vinci, Codice Atlantico, f. 1103v
Carved wood, polished marble, iron
cm 73 x 65,5 x 43
Description:
During the Renaissance, mirrors were made by grinding and polishing a bronze, copper or silver surface with abrasive material until they reflected images. In folio 1103v of the Codex Atlanticus, Leonardo drew several different types of machines for producing mirrors and lenses. This model is made up of two discs, each with its own axis of rotation, and a crank handle. By turning the handle the two round discs below are made to rotate and they are subjected to sufficient downward pressure to polish the mirror. The disc with a lesser diameter, which contains the surface to be polished, both rotates on its own axis of rotation and revolves on the abrasive surface of the larger disc.