During his stay in Milan, Leonardo devoted many drawings to the study of sophisticated mechanisms for the planetary clock at the nearby abbey of Chiaravalle.
In this model, the moving organ is located inside a wooden structure, where a weight lowers, causing a drum to turn, setting into motion a series of shafts and toothed wheels that carry out ordered sequences of movements.
The internal mechanisms correspond to three clock faces on the outer structure: two smaller ones, for counting the minutes and hours; while on the largest, with its 12 zodiacal divisions for the year, dedicated moving hands show the positions of the sun and moon and the lunar phases, as well as other astrological and astronomical indications.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Wood carving, stone, iron, metal sheet
Measures
Width: 81.5 cm, Length: 75 cm; Depth: 52.7 cm.
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, Codex Atlanticus, f. 1111v
Inventory number
Record no. OA: 00000008
Location
Museo Leonardiano, Palazzina Uzielli, first floor
Last update: 19 June 2025, 14:46