The cranes

We show here sixteen “machine philology” studies created in an attempt to rigorously use the sources. In many cases the models can appear as drawing's natural completions (in particular the ones by Leonardo); nonetheless the reconstructions of these machines must always be considered theories that can be comprehended, shared and hopefully surpassed only by interpreting them with sources from which they have been created. This crane models and lifting systems are presented through profiles/data sheets that provide us with images of their reconstruction in different perspectives so as to see them and imagine how they function; these profiles also provide the primary technical coordinates such as the type of motor/engine and their intended use, attempting to indicate whether or not we are dealing with machines which were actually built or theoretical studies.

Here you can find a photogalley of the wooden models.

Treadmill-powered Crane