Editorial

Abstract

The reprint of Carlo Pedretti’s 1978 text with the indication of the dating of the so-called Vitruvian Man, maintained for over thirty years, constitutes the starting point for the updated examination of the drawing and its chronological placement. The focus consists of three contributions, in a synergy of scientific-technological, linguistic-philosophical, and historical-artistic expertise, to compose a comprehensive and well-documented overview. The in-depth study of the evoked Latin source, handwriting and inks used, graphic construction, and the creative process of the cultural context to the relationship between Leonardo and Luca Pacioli. Innovative non-destructive technological investigations once again serve as important analysis tools, providing scientific data to support new reflections on the history of the work and its creation, preservation, and meaning, focusing on important points and, at the same time, opening the field to further and more exhaustive research. In the intention of positioning itself as a meeting point for scholars from various disciplines, this journal issue also highlights new research directions that delve into Leonardo’s relationships with humanistic disciplines such as philosophy and scientific disciplines such as physics.