The artwork in question is a design for an Ornithopter, crafted by the illustrious Renaissance polymath, Leonardo da Vinci, around the year 1489 in Milan, Italy. The piece is executed on paper, utilizing ink as the medium. It belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement, specifically characterized as a design within the expansive oeuvre of da Vinci’s works. This particular design is part of the “Paris Manuscript B” collection, currently housed in the Bibliotheque de l’Institut de France, located in Paris, France.

The artwork depicts a mechanical device, designed with the intention to enable human flight by mimicking the flapping wing motion of birds. The central feature of the drawing is a pair of large, prominent wings attached to a framework, presumably intended to be operated by the motion of the human body, with various mechanical elements sketched in detail. The contraption blends organic inspiration with the practical application of mechanics, underscoring da Vinci’s fascination with flight and his innovative approach to engineering design.

Da Vinci’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the elaborate representation of pulleys, levers, and gears, as well as the careful delineation of the wings’ structure. Accompanying the technical sketch are texts written in da Vinci’s distinctive mirror writing, which reflects his habit of recording his thoughts and descriptions alongside his visual concepts. While the technology of his time did not allow for the realization of functional human flight through this design, the artwork remains a testament to Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary genius and his profound impact on the evolution of engineering and design.