Labels:text | letter | ink | font | document OCR: Schemes to construct a canal to bypass unnavigable stretches of the Arno River existed as early as 1347. This turbulently drawn map outlines Leonardo's proposal for the canal's path, which would arc north in a route that would cut (somewhat impracticably) through a mountain pass, lakes, and rivers. Interestingly, the modern motorway formerly known as the Autostrada runs remarkably close to Leonardo's proposed route, connecting Florence to Pisa. Leonardo anticipated that the project would be financed by the Wool Guild, which would benefit from its tolls and concessions. The Arno Valley with the Proposed Route of a Canal ca. 1503-04, pen and ink over black chalk with washes 13 3/16 x 19 in. (33.5 x 48.3 cm) Windsor, Royal Library 12279
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