During
the 17 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. Due to
the lack of systematic order in his notetaking,
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. Was the information
contained in these small 1"-3½" sketches
sufficient to substantiate the creation of a life-
sized equine sculpture and the final 24-foot
colossal Horse?
The unavailability of exact visual references
necessary to a project of this magnitude created a wide latitude for interpretation.
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 other projects, as well as his thoughts on anatomy,
painting, sculpture and natural phenomena were carefully studied. Other visual
and literary sources including the contributions of his teachers and their
influence on his work were also investigated. Finally, 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. However, it has been significantly influenced by certain
works of art and writings from that period, and specifically Leonardo's notebooks
and accompanying drawings with great emphasis on his involvement with the
Sforza monument.
It is my hope that the duality of knowledge and imagination and the creative
problems which have challenged this project have resolved themselves in an
image which is powerful, intriguing, and symbolically significant.
During the two 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 the 20-year vision of Charles Dent have also been an inspiration
and have strengthened my resolve to help in fulfilling his dream.
Perhaps the modern 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. Our gift to Italy may be viewed as a metaphor
for the immense genius of Leonardo, a paragon of creativity, and the great
epoch in which he lived, the Renaissance.
Nina Akamu, May
1999
