The Codex Leicester (also briefly known as Codex Hammer) is a collection of largely scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci. The codex is named after Thomas Coke, later created Earl of Leicester, who purchased it in 1719. Of Leonardo’s 30 scientific journals, the Codex may be the most famous of all. The manuscript holds the record for the sale price of any book, when it was sold to Bill Gates at Christie’s auction house on 11 November 1994 in New York for US$30,802,500.[1][2]
The Codex provides an insight into the inquiring mind of the definitive Renaissance artist, scientist and thinker as well as an exceptional illustration of the link between art and science and the creativity of the scientific process.
The MIA will be having an exhibition related to the Codex sometime this year. I think it would be interesting to have an artist in residence, working with the Codex and developing engaging community outreach and educational art workshops related to the scientific journal.
