Da Vinci Robotics Exhibition by [id] digital agency

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

INTERACTIVE

working, scaled robotic and inventions faithfully created from DA VINCI CODICES

In the 15th century, THE SCIENTIFIC Leonardo Da Vinci had a vision for a ‘mechanical man’. He intensely studied human and animal anatomy, in particular the bones, muscles and tendons… in order to discover ‘the cause of motion’.

In his wisdom, Leonardo disguised and encrypted his findings and they remained ‘secret’ for over 500 hundred years! This exhibition recognises the vision and genius of ‘the scientific Leonardo da Vinci’ and brings to life HIS ROBOT, ‘the the world’s first robot robot’,, the flying drones and his inventions of the future.

LEONARDO DA VINCI ‘ROBOTICS AND MACHINES EXHIBITION’

ON LOAN FROM THE LEONARDO DA VINCI MUSEUM, FLORENCE Designed to discover the mind of Leonardo da Vinci in a way that has never been done before. Exploring his passionate understanding of nature, science and art Presented by

www.niccolaigroup.com “He was like a man who woke up too early, in the darkness, while everyone else was still sleeping...” DMITRI S. MEREZHKOVSKY, 1901

LIST OF CONTENTS

Museum of Roman Civilization Museo Della Civilta Roma, Italy

MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Page 1

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Page 2

ABOUT THE MACHINES

Page 4

SECTION 1 Anatomy

Page 5

SECTION 2 Robotics and Machines

Page 6

SECTION 3 Reproduction Art

Page 7

and LIVE ART ENHANCEMENT ‘The Last Supper’ Supplement

Machina TECNOLOGIA DELL’ANTICA ROMA (Machina TECHNOLOGY IN THE ANCIENT ROMAN)

Page 8

I MURI DELL’ARTE

Page 9

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Page 10

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

Page 11

STORYLINE

Page 12

OVERVIEW

Page 13

VENUE DETAILS

Page 14

FURTHER INFORMATION

Page 14

OTHER TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS

Page 15

SPONSOR INFORMATION

Page 20

MEET THE PRESS

Page 21

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Early 2002 in Florence, when I met the dynamo Niccolai family duo, father Carlo and son Gabriele, I begged them to allow me to take their wonderful da Vinci machines to Museums around the world. It took some convincing, two years in fact, and after leaving a son behind (as you would in any respectable long lasting medieval contract) I had begun a most exciting, exhibition career and really thought the game was well and truly won over. Then along came Dan Brown, who alerted the world of the many secrets our Renaissance master was hiding and the scene became a frenzied gold rush of pseudo da Vinci shows, hastily built in a few months by sensationalists and quick-buck profiteers. There were indeed a number of niggling mysteries surrounding da Vinci, but it was clear to academia and the serious Vincian researchers that Dan Brown was looking in the wrong direction. Yes, there were missing paintings and the known ones had many hidden cryptic messages (the art historians daily bread and butter) however, many of ‘Da Vinci’s secrets’ were hidden in his machines. You could certainly expect that in an era lacking patents or copyright protection, one writing mirror image would indeed raise suspicions. Particularly mysterious are the last few years of Da Vinci’s life, where apparently he did very little at the King’s pleasure... Surely, can you really believe that of Leonardo...? The man who left us 14,000 technical drawings, only after the other two thirds went missing posthumously...? The task for the Niccolai Group team was daunting and specialised help was sought. Our group expanded with new partners, Sara Taglialagamba (Historian), Mirko Marini (Architect) for animations, Antonio De Vito, acclaimed master of fresco painting whose recreation of the lost Battle of Anghiari was hanging in the Museum of Anghiari itself, and the CreaFx young duo, Elena Sardelli and Danilo Carignola (Special Effects) who draw their inspiration from La Specola a Florentine wonder, the most amazing museum of anatomical wax reconstructions. So we (Niccolai Teknoart) began from scratch, revisiting Da Vinci’s anatomical studies, repainting his lost works and re-interpreting - even decrypting his notes and instructions in the search for the elusive “missing machines”. Gabriele and I visited world centres for robotics such as MIT in Boston and Milan, but it was clear to us, that with over 150 Vincian constructions under our belt, that we were at the cutting edge of research and well prepared for revealing the biomimetic secret studies of Leonardo da Vinci. By the time the date to launch the DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition was upon us we had decoded artworks, reconstructed flying “drones”, animal and human robots. Our initial effort in constructing Da Vinci’s robot produced a rather inanimate but fierce looking “Terminator”. However, just as the opening of the Exhibition was due, Gabriele out of desperation, made the brilliant decision to use that “useless, unexplainable mechanical part” - discarded by all for its lack of modern application – that, for the first time, the Da Vinci Robot came to life! Ironically, we had found the “Heart of Ironman”. The historical evidence was now so plainly obvious. The result was a wonderful book by Niccolai and Taglialagamba, prefaced by Pedretti: Leonardo da Vinci, Automatons and Robotics and the ultimate Leonardo da Vinci exhibition was born; the truly amazing, historically documented, Da Vinci Robotics covering his work in Art, Anatomy and Robotics. Luigi Rizzo Director and CEO Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd THE NICCOLAI GROUP

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION One of the world’s greatest artists and engineers, da Vinci was born with an insatiable desire for knowledge. At a young age he declared “Experience will be my mistress”, and throughout his life he pushed the boundaries of knowledge and experience, like a true modern scientist, becoming a master in his passionate understanding of nature, science and expressions in art and technology. The concept to present an exhibition that connected Leonardo da Vinci’s passionate study of anatomy to his beautiful art and to his vision of a mechanical man (world’s first robot), was conceived around six years ago by the Artisans of Florence, Niccolai Teknoart SNC (TEKNOART). Studying and deciphering da Vinci’s codices (manuscripts), TEKNOART, in 2006 commenced production on the life size anatomical models and interactive machines and robotic exhibits that comprise this Exhibition.

A saying by Leonardo da Vinci… Those who are in love with practice without knowledge are like the sailor who gets into a ship without rudder or compass and who never can be certain whether he is going … Manuscript G, f. 8r

By the time the exhibition was ready for its world launch, it was apparent to the producers (TEKNOART) that many of da Vinci’s coded and encrypted secrets that had laid hidden for over 500 years, had now been discovered and would be revealed to the world for the very first time. On loan from the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence, the Exhibition had its world launch in Melbourne, Australia in October 2009. It was then shown at the Sydney Town Hall, Australia in May 2010 before travelling to Seoul in Korea. The Exhibition features in excess of 75 exhibits including reproduction of his known masterpieces, incredibly life like anatomical models and body parts, interactive automatons and robotics mimicking human and flying animals and something else that has never been attempted before a work-in-progress, full size reconstruction of one of the master’s most famous paintings, The Last Supper (Optional). Employing traditional fresco technique, Fresco Master Antonio De Vito has studied da Vinci’s notes and drawings for many years and is now bringing back to life one of civilizations most significant and important works of art.

SECTION 1 – ANATOMY

SECTION 2 – ROBOTICS and MACHINES

Each exhibit in the Exhibition is accompanied by the da Vinci codex page or drawing meticulously followed by the Artisans in creating it. Beginning with an Introduction to Leonardo da Vinci, the Exhibition is then presented in three main sections:

SECTION 3 – REPRODUCTION ART and THE LAST SUPPER (Optional)

All: Internal mechanism of Da Vinci’s Robot, the newly discovered rhythmic device and the outcome, “The Robot Drummer” Codex Atlanticus F 579r

Centre: Flying Drone Codex Atlanticus Right: Flying Drone Codex Atlanticus Left: Underwater Breathing Apparatus (Diving) Codex Arundel F 24v

ABOUT THE MACHINES Leonardo Da Vinci Machines and Robots My father Carlo Niccolai is a skilled Florentine craftsman whose life and passion has revolved around Leonardo da Vinci. He shared his knowledge, passion and his craft with me and together, since 1995 we have established Niccolai-Teknoart SNC and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence. For over 12 years now, with a dedicated team of artisans, artists and historians, we have been creating machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci which have been shown in numerous museums and exhibitions all around the world. I first started researching and producing scale prototype machines, preparing for the construction of larger working models, in the early 1990’s. To date these number approximately five hundred machines, created by the team of artisans at Niccolai-Teknoart, all meticulously made with materials of the era being wood, iron, cloth, ropes and bronze. In Da Vinci’s day, wooden machines required protection from the weather. We replicate the same methods used back then in the workshop today. We discovered that the application of vegetable pitch (produced by burning selected pine in a precise methodology) produced a characteristic reddish brown colour in the wood, different from the natural light colour of just cut wood. We have been able to reproduce synthetically this characteristic colour derived from the precise application of this natural protective tar. In the past 10 years, the reconstruction of accurate, working, interactive models based on da Vinci’s notes and drawings has been aided by the use of advanced computer cad technologies. Over all we have created more than 150 functional models. The required research, patience and skill has been contributed equally by the whole team - it’s been a long and challenging process but it’s been extremely rewarding and satisfying. As with the “robot’, the main character of the DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition, he’s a perfect example. Leonardo drew his creation as a machine capable of drumming, but till now no one was able to figure out how it worked. Ironically all the relevant information was laid out in a single sheet, the now famous 579r of Codex Atlanticus, first identified by Carlo Pedretti as an Automatic Knight back in 1957. Other codex pages had to be consulted for the final piecing together of the mystery, or the secret if you like, in particular, of the one device. (One can imagine Leonardo’s deliberate effort to conceal this important detail from us... over the years I’ve become accustomed, amused to play this game with Leonardo as this process is repeated over and over with many of his machines reconstructions.., this will be the subject of our next book.) The device contained a rhythmic program that when installed inside the robot, created a drumming motion. This key “missing device” had been discarded by all, us included, for its problematic appearance and function. You can imagine my satisfaction in presenting Professor Pedretti with the final solution to his 1957 discovery. The discovery of the device function together with other revelations on Leonardo da Vinci’s humanoid and animal automatons and flying drones are the subject in the recently released book Leonardo da Vinci Automatons and Robotics, a collaborative project I worked on with Sara Taglialagamba with assistance from Carlo Pedretti.

Gabriele Niccolai Director of Projects Head of Research & Development THE NICCOLAI GROUP Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd

ANATOMY – SECTION I As an artist, da Vinci quickly became master of topographic anatomy, drawing many studies of muscles, tendons and other visible anatomical Under features, consistently stressing the importance of knowing the body from the inside out. His concentrated study of anatomy became the bedrock on which his paintings thrived. Over a period of 30 years, Leonardo dissected 30 human bodies – male and female, young and old. It was in the dissection of an old man, who had died a peaceful death that he noticed how arteries thickened with age. Leonardo described the build up of a hard dense plaque. His understanding of this preceded our research and understanding of cholesterol and the very common disease of our age, atherosclerosis.

All anatomical models displayed in the DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition are based on Leonardo da Vinci’s original drawings. “Battles are won with the Pick and shovel" (that is with construction efforts, has been taken to illustrate in the models reported by Fontinus in Stratagenata 4,7,2) 4,7,2

Care themselves and the narration, the evolution of scientific ideas and concepts at Gnaeus variousDomitius stagesCorbulo of (Roman General under Emperor Nero) Leonardo’s anatomical investigations and discoveries.

Top: Arm Muscle and Bone Next: The Head and Cranial Nerves Next: Heart Ventricles Above: Human Embryo 1 Left: The Skeleton

ROBOTICS AND MACHINES – SECTION 2 Among Leonardo’s vast range of projects, in 1495 he sketched what is believed to be the world’s first robot. It took the form of a human-shaped automaton, which is a machine that moves by mechanical means. The drawings have now been realised as full-scale models, which were built strictly according to Leonardo’s original specifications and display the inner workings of the robot, with pulleys and cables designed to replicate movement of the limbs and joints. The mechanical frame was to be encased in medieval styled metal armour. The robot warrior was capable of performing human-like actions. As in Leonardo’s original drawings, the robot’s hand waves, the head nods, the body sits, and the anatomically correct jaw opens and closes. However when Teknoart sought to replicate Leonardo’s design, the joints grinded and chafed. This was perplexing for the artisans. Top right: Casting of the Horse Codex Madrid 11F 149r Above: Flying Robot (Drone) Codex Atlanticus F314 r-b

Over a period of a year, they kept returning to the blueprint sketches of the robot in the Codex Atlanticus.

The DISCOVERY At last they made a breakthrough, they discovered a mechanism that contained a rhythmic program device which would drive the strings and direct the pulleys to the movement of the wrist. This in turn connected to rods which beat the sound of a drum. As soon as the focus shifted, all the other mechanical problems were minimised. As a result, this robot drums a consistent beat - a precursor to the drum machine.

Centre right: The Robot Drummer Right: Robot Internal Mechanism Above: Robot metal armour Left: ‘The missing device’ Codex Atlanticus F 579r (detail)

SECTION 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ART REPRODUCTIONS The DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition connects and explains the relationship between the passionate studies of Leonardo da Vinci, the Anatomist and Leonardo da Vinci, the Artist. Consistently stressing the importance of knowing the body from the inside out, da Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concentrated study of anatomy became the bedrock on which his paintings thrived. Only 15 paintings directly attributed to Leonardo da Vinci survive. There are others that remain contentious, or those that are actually lost. The known masterpieces of da Vinci have been reproduced to actual size for this Exhibition. Among them, the Mona Lisa, the most famous and most valued of all. Each year, six million people visit the Louvre in Paris, to view the painting, which is now kept behind bullet-proof glass. The DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition brings to light new research, including recent x-ray analyses which add to the mystique of the 500 year old mystery sitter. The identity of which the Master, Leonardo da Vinci, took to his grave in 1519.

Portrait of Lisa del Giocondo (Mona Lisa) oil on poplar 77 x 53cm c. 1503-

Virgin and Child with St Anne c. 1502-1513

The Last Supper c. 1495-1497

Portrait of a Musician c. 1485

The Virgin of the Rocks c. 1495-1499/1506-1508

Annunciation c. 1473-1475(?)

Madonna of the Carnation c. 1472-1478

Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani c. 1489-90

‘THE LAST SUPPER’ Supplement

The most prestigious commissions during the Renaissance period were religiously inspired frescos. It was a process that required painting into wet plaster on the wall. Paint had to be applied quickly, before the plaster could dry. It was not a form suited to Leonardo’s slow contemplative style of painting. He experimented with new methods which would allow him more time and produce more luminous colour. The results were sometimes disastrous, like in his extraordinary rendition of ‘The Last Supper’.

Top: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci Inset: Preparatory drawing on antique paper by Antonio De Vito Below: Antonio De Vito working on a section of the reconstruction: d

Within a few years most of the original colour began to fade, and the plaster flaked and cracked.

LIVE ART reconstruction by Florentine Fresco Master Antonio De Vito Antonio De Vito has worked for many years studying the works and techniques of the great masters and in particular, Leonardo da Vinci. His studies have inspired him to reconstruct The Last Supper mural in its natural size, using the fresco technique.

De Vito uses a composite technique of pure fresco painting to give the work body and strength and then completes the final details using a tempera technique. This project has been made possible only through his thorough study of both Leonardo's original sketches and the copies made by other artists when the original was still clearly visible.

This is the first time that a project of this kind has been undertaken. Over the centuries, all copies that have survived the ravages of time have been oil on canvas or oil on board reproductions. 8

PRESENTED BY

ANTONIO DE VITO

I MURI DELL’ARTE FIRENZE

Within the walls of a 14th century tower that shelters a workshop, unique works are created using the purest fresco technique, the same technique used by the great Masters, from Giotto to Michelangelo. I MURI DELL’ARTE FIRENZE is a workshop opened several years ago in the hills above Florence, born from Antonio De Vito's passion for fresco painting. Fresco painting is a very characteristic technique, which demands great speed and confidence and leaves no room for error or second thoughts which is why very few artists use this traditional method today. To achieve fresco - plaster prepared with lime and sand is spread on the wall and painting begins on its fresh surface. All colours used are natural clay-based pigments. The actual process of painting must be completed in just a few hours, as it has to be done on fresh plaster (hence the name of “fresco” which in Italian means “fresh”). Only this way can pigments permeate the wall and show the magic of this technique: absorbed by lime, colour becomes part of the wall itself. This art was typical of the golden age of Italian history of art, from the end of the Middle Ages until the Renaissance, but surprisingly enough, it is little known. For this reason, as we have learnt over the years, exhibitions on this particular topic never fail to generate great public interest. 9

EDUCATION PROGRAM This new exhibition on loan from the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence demonstrates direct connections between the visual arts and science and provides Schools and Teachers with the opportunity to bring the Italian Renaissance, lifestyle, culture, science, history and art into the classroom. A fascinating display of over 60 exhibits including life like anatomical models, interactive robotics, interactive machines, animations and copies of rare Da Vinci Codices. The exhibition explores Da Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous mural, The Last Supper (Optional) with a full size reconstruction, a work-inprogress project by a renowned Florentine fresco painter. Providing a variety of subjects for teachers to integrate into classroom programs, such as science, anatomy, biology, history, engineering, mechanics, culture and art. TEACHER RESOURCES Education Resources which include ideas and formats for integrating the Exhibition themes and content into classroom programs are under development. These will be available as a valuable teaching tool for all schools bookings excursions. Suitable for all school levels through to University, offering the potential for students to achieve a number of Outcomes in their own stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curriculum and Assessment Framework - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Studies. Primary Levels: Art (Exploring and responding), History (Historical knowledge and understandings, Historical reasoning and interpretation), Design, Creativity and Technology (Analysing and evaluating), LOTE (Intercultural knowledge and language awareness), Science (Science knowledge and understanding, Science at work) Thinking Processes (Inquiry, Reflection, Evaluation). Secondary Levels: Art (Exploring and responding), History (Historical knowledge and understandings, Historical reasoning and interpretation), Physics, Italian, Design, Creativity and Technology (Analysing and evaluating), LOTE (Intercultural knowledge and language awareness), Science (Science knowledge and understanding, Science at work) Thinking Processes (Inquiry, Reflection, Evaluation), Visual Communication and Design (Exploring and responding). Various Studies: Art (Unit 1: Art and meaning, Unit 2: Art and culture, Unit 3: Interpreting art, Unit 4: Discussing and debating art), Medicine, Design and Technology, Italian History, Physics, Systems Engineering, Studio Arts (Unit 1: Interpretation of art ideas and use of materials and techniques, Unit 2: Ideas and styles in artworks, Unit 3: Professional art practices and styles, Unit 4: Art industry contexts), Visual Communication and Design (Unit 2: Communication in context). Tertiary studies: Art, Art-History, Cultural Studies, Design, Engineering, Graphic Design, History, Science, Medicine, Psychology, Physics, Sociology, Technology, Woodcraft.

DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition Website for updates and contact details www.niccolaigroup.com 10

THE NICCOLAI GROUP 1995 - Florence, Italy. The Niccolai firm of father and sons, in co-operation with noted academics and working in close collaboration with Professor Carlo Pedretti, enriched the study of Leonardo Da Vinci’s mechanics by creating a series of interactive models. Skilfully, using materials from the time, such as wood, cotton, brass, iron and cord, they presented each exhibit with a replica copy of the code page from the recently rediscovered Codex Madrid, from which its design was taken. In 2001 the Italian Government recognised the high quality and skill achieved by the Niccolai family by conferring upon them the special award “Italia che Lavora” (Italy at Work). Luigi Rizzo and Gabriele Niccolai, Workshop, Florence, Italy

In 2005 the Niccolai-Teknoart Group expanded with new partners, Mirko Marina (Architect) for animations, Antonio De Vito (Fresco Master & Artisan), Lisa Bouvier (Art Historian & Artisan), Sara Taglilagamba (Historian) and Luigi Rizzo (Physicist for Science/Education) and undertook new projects. In 2009/10 the new Exhibition Da Vinci Secrets “Anatomy to Robots” was launched in Melbourne, then Sydney and Seoul making headlines for its 15th century ‘working robots’ – never seen before. The discoveries are the subject of the book titled Leonardo da Vinci: Automations and Robotics, CB Editions. In 2009/10 the new Exhibition Machina Technologia Dell’antica Roma staged at the Museo Della Civilta’ Romana, Rome, was awarded the ‘Gold Medal’ of the President of the Italian Republic. It has also featured in television documentaries in Italy and international magazines such as Focus, Newton, National Geographic and Scientific America.

Carlo and Gabriele Niccolai, Workshop, Florence, Italy

In 2012 the Group launched the brand new exhibition based on historical and scientific data titled -Julius Caesar Military Genius and Mighty Machines. Launched in Melbourne, Australia it then opened at the Seoul War Museum in Korea, the South Australian Museum and the Hong Kong Science Museum before traveling to Taiwan R.O.C. in 2013.

Luigi Rizzo and Gabriele Niccolai

In 2013, in collaboration with the Artisans of Florence and I Muri dell’Arte, the Niccolai Group launched the brilliant The Divine Michelangelo Exhibition at the Taipei National Museum of History. The Exhibition which is based on Michelangelo’s life time achievements features FULL SIZE copies of his famous sculptures including the DAVID - created from the antique collections of casts derived from the original works.

Carlo Niccolai, Professor Carlo Pedretti, Gabriele Niccolai

Carlo Niccolai, Gabriele Niccolai with Carlo Pedretti Dr. Lt. 1928 (centre). Emeritus Professor Leonardo Studies UCLA (USA). Advisor to the Italian Government on matters Da Vinci. In addition, adviser to Queen Elizabeth II, British Library, King of Sweden, Bill Gates and the Niccolai family on matters Da Vinci. Author of over 40 books, recipient of Italian Government Gold Medal for Services to Culture and a Congressional Citation by USA Government, both awarded 1972.

To date, exhibitions created by The Niccolai Group have toured major cities all around the world entertaining in excess of 6 million visitors. 11

EXHIBITION STORYLINE Visitors, assisted by the screening of a movie based on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, enter into the period of the Italian High Renaissance, around the turn of the 16th century..., a period of great cultural change and achievement. Introduction: In this section we learn about Leonardo’s life and why he is regarded as one of the world’s greatest artists, engineers and visionary becoming a true master in his passionate understanding of nature, science and art. • •

“The Vitruvian Man” Visitors learn how Leonardo da Vinci compared the workings of the body as a reflection of the workings of the universe and can study his calculations on bodily proportions “Codices” Rare copies of Codex Anatomy Windsor Collection, Codex American Circle and Codex Atlanticus

Section 1 – Anatomy. In this section, visitors are astounded by the realism of full size models of body parts and skeletons. Created by modern day artisans who have followed meticulously the drawings and notations (Codices) made by Leonardo da Vinci as part of his studies with human and animal ‘autopsies’. His astonishing accuracy, attention to detail and genius are recognized as one considers his findings (made over 500 years ago), were achieved without the assistance of modern science and laboratory facilities. Models include the “study of the human skull”, the “human head and the cranial nerves”, “optics and related cranial nerves”, the “human embryo”, the “geography of the heart”, the “skeleton”, the “spine”, the “human trunk”, “anatomical instruments”, and models reflecting the “cause of motion” such as “arm muscles and bones”, “shoulder and arm muscles”, the “study of the arm”, the “cross section of the leg” and “studies of the leg”. All accompanied by corresponding codex pages and large panels. Section 2 – Robotics and Machines. In this section visitors will learn how Leonardo’s vision for a ‘mechanical man’ (the world’s first robot) was achieved through his studies and investigations in human and animal anatomy and in particular, the bones, muscles and tendons... discovering “the cause of motion”. Visitors will also learn how Leonardo hid and disguised the ‘secrets’ of his inventions and how, until now, the “missing device” for his robot had remained a ‘secret’ for over 500 hundred years... Robotic models include the “complete internal mechanism of the robot”, “full suit a medieval armour intended to ‘encase’ the robot”, the “drummer robot” revealing the ‘missing device’ hidden away for over 500 years, together with various working, interactive mechanical models of robotics, ropes and pulleys and joint components with codex pages, large panels and virtual animations Flying drone models (robots) are working, interactive mechanical models, including vertical flying machines, large fixed wings, virtual animations, codex pages and large panels Machine models include the “gym set” (Leonardo’s machine to test a man’s muscle strength for flying), the “breathing apparatus” for underwater diving, the “perspectograph”, the “mechanical heart”, the “artery’s valve” and other models, codex pages and large panels. Section 3 – Art and LIVE ART ‘The Last Supper’ (Optional). Visitors will be taken back in time when they enter “the Bottega” of modern day Florentine fresco master, Antonio de Vito. Here De Vito captures and brings to life a medieval atmosphere to present his full size reconstruction of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ – a work-in-progress, in a way that has never been undertaken before! Includes video documentation of the work completed to date, where there have been revelations of ‘messages’ and ‘re-interpretations’ of unresolved mysteries. Discovered so far, we witness that Leonardo was indeed hiding ‘meanings’ into his painting and Master De Vito is revealing them LIVE, in front of our own eyes as he continues to paint on..! On display in the gallery are high quality reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s known paintings with information labels, including the world’s most famous, most valuable masterpiece, the ‘Mona Lisa’. 12

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW AIM st

To enlighten 21 century visitors of the magnitude of a 15 century man’s vision, genius and achievement in our modern world of science, technology and art, and to reveal the ‘less known facts and hidden messages’ that make Leonardo’s work even more relevant in today’s society. DA VINCI ROBOTICS was conceived to create a platform upon which the vision and genius of Leonardo da Vinci could be presented revealing the connection between his studies in nature, anatomy, robotics and art. THEMES Following an “Introduction to Leonardo da Vinci”, his comparisons of the human body to the universe (Vitruvian Man) and his manuscripts (Codices), the Exhibition is presented in three sections: SECTION 1 Anatomy

SECTION 2 Robotics and Machines SECTION 3 Art and the LIVE ART ‘The Last Supper’ option

KEY FEATURES – in excess of 75 Exhibits 21 21

16 1 15 3 65 2 2 1 75

ANATOMICAL MODELS

Life size anatomical models and body parts, masterly sculpted and strictly complying with fundamental scientific principals Leonardo’s codices INTERACTIVE ROBOTS, Working, interactive and created in the workshops of the skilled artisans of DRONES AND MACHINES Florence, NICCOLAI-TEKNOART SRL, using only materials of the age and adhering meticulously to the notes and drawing of Leonardo da Vinci PAINTINGS REPRODUCED The known paintings including The Last Supper and Mona Lisa THE LAST SUPPER RECONSTRUCTION LIVE ART work-in-progress, presented in the artist’s ‘Bottega’ (Optional) GIANT PANELS Highlighting the exquisiteness of Leonardo’s drawings RARE COPIES OF CODICES Valuable, leather bound manuscripts STANDS To hold informative label for each exhibit VIRTUAL ANIMATIONS Demonstrating how the robots, drones and machines work DVD’s Work-in-progress stages of The Last Supper fresco, Artisans at work DVD ‘LEONARDO DA VINCI GENIUS’ Screening permission for 55 minutes movie A3 PRINTED COLOUR LABELS For display and/or digital files for wall text (English language only) ART ACCESSORIES Various accessories including trestles, stands, paints & brushes BASES AND PLINTHS Every exhibit, except ‘free-standing’ works, come supplied with own base MERCHANDISE Extensive range of relative merchandise included, on consignment.

VISITORS HIGHLIGHTS • • • • •

• •

Discovering the connection between Leonardo’s passion with anatomy, his technical inventions and his art Learning how Leonardo protected what he was inventing back in the 15th century Witnessing the world’s first robot and discovering what Leonardo’s purpose for the robot was To feel and touch and in most cases, operate the reconstructed machines themselves Going back in time to the artist’s Bottega to watch Antonio de Vito bring to life The Last Supper (Optional). To interact with the painter at work, to listen and view how details of The Last Supper were once lost and how now, their revelation shed new interpretations to this work and other masterpieces. An experience not to be missed for the ‘artist at heart’ To look upon the Mona Lisa, re-presented to the public, not just as she looks in the Louvre, Paris but how Leonardo had intended The opportunity to witness in one space, under one roof, all of Leonardo da Vinci’s Masterpieces.

SUITABILITY The exhibition is highly recommended and suitable for the general public, people of all ages and all levels of education.

VENUE INFORMATION Rental Term: 3 – 6 months Floor Space: 400 - 700 – 1000 square metres Floor Loadings: No excessive weight bearing exhibits Flooring Preference: Carpet, brown, dark grey, black Ceiling Height: 4 metres preferred minimum Walls - Colour Scheme: Warm Tuscan tones Special Power Requirements: None Museum Assistance: Min. 4 assistants required Exhibit Companion Items: Machine & Robotic Animations Da Vinci Film Screening Rights Gift shop merchandise Award Winning (Educational) Primary Physics Program High Resolution Graphics Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY Shipment: 1 X 40’ container to nearest port Delivery to Venue: Container by road to venue door Unloading/Loading/Equipment: By hand & pallet jack/trolleys directly to exhibit area (forklift in difficult loading areas)

HOSTING ENQUIRIES Rental & Inclusions: On Application General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com Bookings via Email to: Italy/Europe

Gabriele Niccolai

Asia/Europe

Luigi Rizzo

USA/UK/AUS

Margaret Harris

OUR TRAVELLING EXHIBITION PORTFOLIO ON FOLLOWING PAGES 14

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd Specialising in research and development, precision reproduction, packaging and management of INTERACTIVE WORLD CLASS travelling Exhibitions.

EXHIBITION VENUE INFORMATION Rental Term: 3 – 6 months

Floor Space: 400 - 700 – 1000 square metres

Floor Loadings: No excessive weight bearing exhibits

Flooring Preference:

INTERACTIVE

Carpet, brown/dark grey/black

working, scaled robotics and inventions faithfully created from the DA VINCI CODICES

Ceiling Height: 4 metres preferred minimum

Walls - Colour Scheme: Warm Tuscan tones, specs provided

In his wisdom, Leonardo disguised and encrypted his findings and they remained ‘secret’ for over 500 hundred years! This eexhibition recognises the vision and genius of ‘the scientific Leonardo da Vinci Vinci’ and brings to life HIS ROBOT ROBOT, ‘the world’s first robot’, the flying drones and his inve inventions of the future. Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3 Theme 4 Theme 5

THE SCIENTIFIC WORLD OF DA VINCI ROBOTICS FLYING MACHINES ‘THE DRONES’ PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS ARTWORK – REPRODUCTIONS

Explore Da Vinci’s bottega with his 500 year old secrets INTERACTIVE, working, scaled robotics and inventions The futuristic ‘pilot-less’ drones Computer Animations and Film Screenings Rare copies of LEONARDO DA VINCI CODICES Acknowledgement of the artist with beautifully reproduced paintings, including the Mona Lisa

GABRIELE NICCOLAI

LUIGI RIZZO

MARGARET HARRIS

Director of Projects Head of Research & Development

Director & CEO

Operations Manager 15

E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it

E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com

Museum Assistance: Minimum 4 assistants required

Exhibit Companion Items: Animations Da Vinci Film Screening Rights Gift shop merchandise Award Winning (Educational) Primary Physics Program High Resolution Graphics Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY 1 X 40’ container to nearest port

Exhibition Highlights: • • • • • •

None

Shipment:

Exhibition Themes • • • • •

Special Power Requirements:

E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

Delivery to Venue: Container by road to venue door

Unloading/Loading/Equip: By hand & pallet jack/trolleys directly to exhibit area (forklift in difficult loading areas)

HOSTING ENQUIRIES Rental & Inclusions: On Application

General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com

Bookings via Email to: Italy/Europe Asia/Europe USA/UK/AUS

Gabriele Niccolai Luigi Rizzo Margaret Harris

Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

I MURI DELL’ARTE FIRENZE THE NICCOLAI GROUP Bringing together the talents of Italy, sourcing artworks and coordinating the development and delivery of WORLD CLASS EXHIBITIONS

EXHIBITION Enhancements

Two Special Features & Highlights Designed to enhance LEONARDO DA VINCI EXHIBITIONS

THE LAST SUPPER

“THE LAST SUPPER” – a monumental work that portrays the dramatic moment when Christ, surrounded by his twelve disciples, declares “one of you will betray me”.

FULL SIZE “UNIQUE” RECREATION of THE LAST SUPPER reconstructed by Florentine Maestro ANTONIO DE VITO, using only TRADITIONAL FRESCO TECHNIQUES. Discover ‘important elements’ lost over the centuries…

VENUE INFORMATION Rental Term: 3 – 6 months

Floor Space: 50-100 square metres

Ceiling Height: 3.5 metres

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS By Leonardo da Vinci

Walls - Colour Scheme: Antique rustic stone wall design

Exhibit Companion Items: Film LIVE FRESCO High Resolution Graphic School of Art Activities for children Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY Shipment, transport, delivery, accompany Da Vinci Exhibit. Unloading/Loading/Equip: Forklift & pallet jacks directly to exhibit area

HOSTING ENQUIRIES Rental On Application General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com GABRIELE NICCOLAI

LUIGI RIZZO

MARGARET HARRIS

Director of Projects Head of Research & Development

E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com

Director & CEO

Operations Manager

E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it

E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

Bookings via Email: Italy/Europe, Gabriele Niccolai Asia/Europe, Luigi Rizzo USA/UK/AUS, Margaret Harris

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd Specialising in research and development, precision reproduction, packaging and management of INTERACTIVE WORLD CLASS travelling Exhibitions.

EXHIBITION VENUE INFORMATION Rental Term: 2 - 3 – 6 months

Floor Space: 400 - 700 – 1000 square metres

Floor Loadings: No excessive weight bearing exhibits

INTERACTIVE working, scaled machines faithfully created from the DA VINCI CODICES

Flooring Preference: Carpet, brown/dark grey/black

Ceiling Height: 4 metres preferred minimum

Walls - Colour Scheme: Warm Tuscan tones, specs provided

Special Power Requirements:

Leonardo Da Vinci lived in Italy 500 years ago. He studied ancient writings of historically brilliant men such as Vitruvius and Archimedes and embraced knowledge from great civilisations which had been lost or forgotten during the Dark Ages. He experimented and expanded early ideas involving natural energy sources creating many inventions using the ancient wisdom on pulleys, cranes, levers, the screw, winches and many more. Exhibition Themes: • • • • •

Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3 Theme 4 Theme 5

WAR MACHINES FLYING MACHINES NAUTICAL/HYDRAULIC MACHINES PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS ARTWORK – REPRODUCTIONS

Museum Assistance: Minimum 4 assistants required

Exhibit Companion Items: Animations Da Vinci Film Screening Rights Gift shop merchandise Award Winning (Educational) Primary Physics Program High Resolution Graphics Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY Shipment:

Exhibition Highlights: • • • • • •

None

Incredible war, nautical and hydraulic machines Ground-breaking applications of civil engineering Flying machines Computer Animations and Film Screenings Rare copies of LEONARDO DA VINCI CODICES Reproduction Art Gallery of Da Vinci’s most famous paintings, beautifully framed with descriptive labels

1 X 40’ container to nearest port

Delivery to Venue: Container by road to venue door

Unloading/Loading/Equip: By hand & pallet jack/trolleys directly to exhibit area (forklift in difficult loading areas)

HOSTING ENQUIRIES Rental & Inclusions: On Application

General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com GABRIELE NICCOLAI

LUIGI RIZZO

MARGARET HARRIS

Director of Projects Head of Research & Development

Director & CEO

Operations Manager 17

E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it

E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com

E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

Bookings via Email to: Italy/Europe Asia/Europe USA/UK/AUS

Gabriele Niccolai Luigi Rizzo Margaret Harris

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd Specialising in research and development, precision reproduction, packaging and management of INTERACTIVE WORLD CLASS travelling Exhibitions.

EXHIBITION VENUE INFORMATION Rental Term:

Step back in time, over 2000 years to the height of the ROMAN EMPIRE. Discover and experience how Roman advanced technology worked…

and how it is still impacting our lives today.

3 – 6 months

Floor Space: 700 – 1000 square metres

Floor Loadings: No excessive weight bearing exhibits

Flooring Preference: Carpet, brown/dark grey/black

Ceiling Height: 3.5 metres preferred minimum

Walls - Colour Scheme:

JULIUS CAESAR

Warm Tuscan tones, specs provided

Special Power Requirements:

Military Genius & Mighty Machines Exhibition The Exhibition highlights the technology and inventions developed or refined by the Romans that set them apart from the rest of the world and continue to influence the way we live today. Unrivalled technology was used to build the Roman Empire with many remnants continuing to stand today. The machines themselves however, built mainly of timber, rope and canvas, were not so robust. Very ery few pieces of Roman technology and machinery have survived the 2000 years since the height of the Roman Empire. Archaeological rchaeological finds and historic texts have allowed artisans to research and reconstruct ancient technology using the same materials and techniques that the Romans used thousands of years ago.

• • •

Museum Assistance: Minimum 4 assistants required

Exhibit Companion Items: Animations Roman Empire film (subject to regional approval) Gift shop merchandise Award Winning (Educational) Primary Physics Program Exhibition Program High Resolution Graphics Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY Shipment: 1 X 40’ container to nearest port

Just some of the Exhibition Highlights… •

None

INTERACTIVE, scaled, working models of war, civil, transport & constructions machines Roman Maps showing 84,000km of paved roads… all leading to Rome The Aqueducts, the Colosseum, Gladiators & Weapons Legionnaires, Centurions, Praetorians…

Delivery to Venue: Container by road to venue door

Unloading/Loading/Equip: Unloading/Loading By hand & pallet jack directly to exhibit area (forklift in difficult loading areas)

GABRIELE NICCOLAI

LUIGI RIZZO

MARGARET HARRIS

Director of Projects Head of Research & Development

Director & CEO

Operations Manager 18

E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it

E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com

E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

On Application

General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com

Bookings via Email to: Italy/Europe Asia/Europe USA/UK/AUS

Gabriele Niccolai Luigi Rizzo Margaret Harris

Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd

Proudly affiliated with the

MUSEUM OF LEONARDO DA VINCI FLORENCE

I MURI DELL’ARTE FIRENZE THE NICCOLAI GROUP Bringing together the talents of Italy, sourcing artworks and coordinating the development and delivery of WORLD CLASS EXHIBITIONS

The MICHELANGELO THE DIVINE Exhibition can be tailored to suit your Museum or venue’s audience and environment.

VENUE INFORMATION

This Exhibition is about Michelangelo Buonarroti, his life and the eternal impact of his achievements in the fields of painting, sculpture and architecture.

Rental Term: 3 – 6 months

Floor Space: 1000 square metres

Floor Loadings: Opt. 1: Sculptures 65-900kgs Opt. 2: Sculptures 65-250kgs

Flooring Preference: Carpet, brown/dark grey/black

Ceiling Height:

MICHELANGELO …the Divine

Walls - Colour Scheme: Warm Tuscan tones, specs provided

The Exhibition, which includes 14 ORIGINAL MICHELANGELO DRAWINGS on loan from CASA BUONARROTI, provides visitors with an unparalleled experience, immersing them into the daily life of perhaps the greatest artist of all time… a legend in his own lifetime…MICHELANGELO. lifetime Entering the world of Michelangelo visitors can get up close and personal with a series of his most important works including LIFE SIZE sculpture featuring the DAVID and the PIETA, created from the antique collection of casts TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINALS. There are 10 FULL SIZE FRESCOS depicting scenes from the Sistine Chapel ceiling including THE CREATION OF ADAM reproduced by Maestro De Vito. Just some of the Exhibition Highlights… • • • • • •

Opt. 1: 9 metres minimum Opt. 2: 3.5 metres minimum

A timeline presenting Michelangelo’s extraordinary achievements ORIGINAL MICHELANGELO drawings A 5.17m (17’) tall DAVID created from the cast of the ORIGINAL FULL SIZE statues including THE PIETA Beautiful frescos created using traditional fresco techniques Cross section of St. Peter’s and Michelangelo’s architectural drawings.

Special Power Requirements: None

Museum Assistance: Minimum 6 assistants required

Exhibit Companion Items: MICHELANGELO film (subject to regional approval) Gift shop merchandise Film LIVE FRESCO High Resolution Graphic School of Art Activities for children Press Release Kit

TRANSPORT & DELIVERY Shipment: 1 X 40’ and 1 x 20’ containers to nearest port

Delivery to Venue: Containers by road to venue door

Unloading/Loading/Equip: Forklift & pallet jacks directly to exhibit area

HOSTING ENQUIRIES Rental & Inclusions: On Application

General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com GABRIELE NICCOLAI

LUIGI RIZZO

MARGARET HARRIS

Bookings via Email:

Director of Projects Head of Research & Development

Director & CEO

Operations Manager 19

Italy/Europe Asia/Europe USA/UK/AUS

E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it

E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com

E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

Gabriele Niccolai Luigi Rizzo Margaret Harris

SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AVAILABLE

One of the ‘Key Elements’ behind every successful Exhibition is the valued support and contribution received from Corporate and Official Sponsors and Partners.

“Naming Rights Sponsor” “Gold Sponsor” “Silver Sponsor” “Bronze Sponsors”

The Producers of the DA VINCI MACHINES & ROBOTICS Exhibition recognise the important role played by participating companies and organisations.

Becoming a “Cash” or “In Kind” Sponsor or Partner of this World Class Exhibition will secure many months of prime time advertising, promotion and brand awareness, whilst developing a rewarding and exciting association with a truly remarkable Exhibition.

In acknowledging the importance of and in gratitude of participation, the Producers have designed attractive sponsorship and partnership benefits that can be tailored to suit every company or organisation.

At the various levels of sponsorship available, rewarding benefits such as these listed below, will be customised to meet the Sponsor/Partner requirements:

FURTHER INFORMATION Luigi Rizzo CEO and Director THE NICCOLAI GROUP Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd Sales & Marketing Manager - Asia Pacific region E xtrarizzo@yahoo.comau

•

Exhibition Naming Rights

•

Guaranteed Industry Exclusivity

•

Speaking Opportunity at Official Opening

•

Brand Awareness on all marketing and promotional collateral including television,

Mob: +61 (0)404 683 768 (Australia) Mob: +64 (0)2102 206 170 (New Zealand) Mob: +39 3331 304 864 (Italy) Mob: +1 801 3 182 142 (USA) Mob: +8 8698 7476 944 (China)

radio, printed media, flags, banners, flyers and official website •

High Profile Exposure for your brand, product or service

•

Margaret Harris Head of Sales & Marketing, Promotion & Communications E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com

Brand inclusion on the Official Exhibition Catalogue

M 61 (0)418 101 353 (Australia) Postal: INT Press Pty. Ltd. (ABN 93 072365130) Suite 503A, 640 Swanston Street Carlton VIC 3053 Australia Tel +61 (0)3 9347 3489 Fax +61 (0)3 9347 3489

•

Brand Display within the Exhibition Foyer

•

VIP Invitations to Official Events

•

VIP Tickets for Guests and Clients

MEET THE PRESS

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN 2010

MUMBAI, INDIA 2011

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 2010 24

THE WORLD’S 1

ROBOT

Da Vinci’s Vision: The Mechanical Man Codex Atlanticus f.579r

Below: The Sea odometer