Leonardo da Vinci's resume

This is one of 85 copies printed letterpress on pure-cotton cream-colored Umbria paper, made in Fabriano.

PRINT RUN

188 numbered copies were printed, of which:

- 85 numbered copies on pure cotton cream-colored Umbria paper, made in Fabriano;

- 71 copies printed on pure cotton ivory Magnani wove paper, made in Tuscany (sold out);

- 24 copies on pure cotton off-white Magnani laid paper, made in Tuscany, which include original etching by Giuseppe Penone, signed and numbered (euros 5000);

- 6 copies on pure cotton heavy Magnani paper, made in Tuscany, (details and price on request);

- 2 copies on pure cotton Rives paper, made in France, where Leonardo spent his last two years (sold out).

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Leonardo lists very briefly its military, architectural and artistic competences, thus masterfully titillating the Duke's aspirations. 

His résumé (Foglio 1082 r, Codice Atlantico, Ambrosiana Library) largely anticipates what Leonardo would have actually accomplished during his long stay in Milan, from 1482 until 1499.

In particular, seven out of the ten succinct paragraphs of his résumé are devoted to military skills, as Leonardo intends to leverage on the expansive ambitions of the Duke of Milan, by showing his ability to build war machines and thwart any adversary fortification.

The other three points describe Leonardo's architectural and artistic abilities, masterfully titillating the aspirations and vanity of the Sovereign.

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A volume in 4to format (22x35 cm) of 52 pages typeset by hand in 16-point original Caslon types. The steel punches of this precious and rare type were hand-cut by William Caslon in London in the first half of the 18th century. These types are part of the original equipment of Tallone’s typographic studio, which has been continuously in operation since the 18th century.

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Neither monotype nor linotype are used. These typesetting systems from a keyboard are often passed off as manual typography. 

The Tallone Press also does not print from plastic plates derived from digital compositions (photopolimer plates), today very much in vogue to simulate the effect of type impression onto the paper.

The original movable types used for the hand-typesetting of this book make it an exceptional endeavor in the contemporary printing scene. 

Printed on very fine paper and sewn by hand, this collector’s edition is a sophisticated gift meant to last over time and designed to give the best reading experience possible.

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Preface by Mons. Marco Ballarini, Prefetto della Biblioteca Ambrosiana. Introduction by Mons. Marco Navoni, Dottore della Biblioteca Ambrosiana.

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Add a personalized message for the receiver of your gift. We will print it beautifully, for free, and ship the gift and the message directly to the receiver’s address.

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The volume is housed in a hand-made slipcase and box, custom made to an exact size, whose exteriors are covered with Ingres paper. The book title is letterpress-printed on the slipcase’s spine.