(a) / 1996 / Giovanni Sacchi / Color on wood, canvas, string, leather / Private collection

The National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milano is known for exhibiting replica models of mechanisms and machines conceived by Leonardo. Most of them were made by woodworker Giovanni Sacchi. The fundamental form of a machine with its wings spread open has a rich legacy, from Sir George Cayley’s flying machine and the Lilienthal brothers’ glider to Vladimir Tatlin’s “Letatlin.” But it is Leonardo who took the first step in mankind’s dream of flying.