During the 16 years
Leonardo da Vinci worked on his plans for the Sforza
Monument, he made numerous small sketches of horses to help
illustrate his copious notes on the complex technological
procedures for molding and casting the monument in bronze.
None of the existing drawings reveal the final position of
the Horse or the appearance of the finished monument.
However, experts suggest that enough studies remain to
provide evidence of Leonardo’s intentions.
I relied on several sources
of relevant information to gain more insight into the
sculpture’s possible position, proportion and aesthetic
character. Leonardo’s drawings and notes for the Sforza and
Trivulzio monuments were used, as well as his writings on
anatomy, painting, sculpture and natural phenomena.
Discussions with experts, colleagues and writings of
scholars in the field were respectfully considered.
The complex artistic challenges of creating the eight foot
master model involved an understanding and sculptural
translation of design, structure, anatomy, character and
movement combined with grace and harmony. The sculpture
which I created for the Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse, Inc.
pays homage to the creative genius of Leonardo. It is not
intended to be a recreation of his sculpture.
During the three years of my
involvement with this project, I have been deeply inspired
by the richness of information encountered in my
investigations. Moreover, the profound dedication and
tenacious creative efforts of those who have supported this
twenty year vision of Charles Dent have also been an
inspiration and have strengthened my resolve to help in
fulfilling his dream.
Perhaps Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse can be seen as a symbol
for the power and momentum of creative energy and a vision
which is directed and focused on a distant goal. The
Horse’s awesome size stands as a testament to the magnitude
of Leonardo’s colossal creation. This gift to Italy may be
viewed as a metaphor for the immense genius of Leonardo, a
paragon of creativity, and the epoch in which he lived, the
Renaissance.
Nina Akamu
© Nina Akamu 2007