Leonardo and the Mills. Hydraulic Prototypes and Construction Techniques between Innovation and Tradition

This paper delves into a selection of Leonardo’s significant drawings of mills to explore their unique connection to England. Through virtual reconstructions of key examples, it contextualises Leonardo’s technological innovations within the construction techniques of his time, as outlined in Renaissance treatises on architecture and mechanics. Particular attention is given to the interplay between Leonardo’s experimental prototypes and the broader history of construction, highlighting how his designs bridged tradition and innovation in both hydraulic engineering and mechanical systems.