Among the pieces of construction site machinery probably designed by Brunelleschi for the construction works for the Florence Cathedral dome, and drawn by Leonardo, we also find the swivel crane, reconstructed in 1966 by the engineer Boldetti.
Consisting of a fixed base and a rotating vertical mast, the crane is powered by two teams of workers: the first, on a platform situated halfway up, has the task of maneuvering a wheel with radial handles connected to a system of pulleys, making it possible to raise the load. The other team, on a platform at the top, at the center of the horizontal crosspiece, actuates a “reversing” screw for shifting the load transversely, again by means of a wheel with radial handles.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Carved wood, wrought iron, cotton rope, granite
Measures
Width: 101 cm, Length: 72 cm, Depth: 43.5 cm
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, Codex Atlanticus, f. 105 v
Inventory number
Object Record No.: 00000024
Location
Museo Leonardiano, Palazzina Uzielli, first floor
Last update: 19 September 2025, 11:52