Arconati donation of manuscripts by Leonardo Da Vinci to the Ambrosiana Library (1637) From the unpublished original document to the printed copies

Abstract

The donation of twelve manuscripts by Leonardo da Vinci to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, which took place in January 1637 by Milanese nobleman Galeazzo Arconati, is documented by an Istrumento drawn up by notary Matteo Croce. This article examines the genesis of this document and the various known witnesses, bringing to light the original handwritten deed – which is hypothesized to be partly produced within Arconati family itself – and systematizing, in the current state of knowledge, the printed versions. The result is a picture of the context from which this donation originated and of the cultural and symbolic value attributed to it, with a real communication campaign. Finally it’s also a picture of its consequences for the subsequent history of Leonardo’s manuscript legacy.