Da Vinci Machines (The) - Ali Carle explores the exhibition in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in the small village of Anchiano. The illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant woman, the young Leonardo would soon show an obsession with drawing - one, which would last a lifetime. In the ETSA Gallery in the South Australian Museum that obsession is on show for all to see. So too are the many models that have sprung to life courtesy of Italian design company, Teknoart.

For many of us, it's Leonardo's paintings which come to mind when contemplating his place in history. But the Teknoart models, created from hundreds of his sketches, allow us all to appreciate the mind of a true polymath in a very hands-on way.

From flying machines to labour saving devices - five hundred years ago, Leonardo da Vinci turned his extraordinary mind to things, which have become commonplace today.

Leonardo da Vinci lived in a time of political upheaval and much of his creative energy also went into devising machines of war for his wealthy patrons. From battle ships to tanks they're all here. Physical reminders of a time when the Italian peninsula was home to an explosion of ideas and in very troubled times.

But much of his work was also about more mundane and physical concerns - one, which still resonate today like the conservation of energy.

The da Vinci Machines are on show at the ETSA Gallery in the SA Museum until March 12, 2007. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards.sa.com.au

Da Vinci Machines
SA Museum
ETSA Utilities Gallery
North Terrace
Exhibition ends March 12 2007
Adults $12
Children $7
Concession $8

Published 25th February 2007