Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Old Chess Guide May Have Drawings From Da Vinci

500-year-old book of puzzles has illustrations in the master's style

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Feb 27, 2008 6:51 PM CST

(Newser) – Sections of a recently unearthed manuscript, dating back to about 1500 and describing chess strategy, were likely illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci, the BBC reports. The book, De ludo scacchorum, is a collection of puzzles by Italian mathematician and Franciscan friar Luca Pacioli, a friend of da Vinci's. The striking illustrations are in da Vinci's style.

The leather-bound volume has 48 pages of game diagrams—using beautifully rendered illustrations of king, queen, bishop, and knight pieces—giving directions on reaching checkmate in a specific number of moves, the Guardian reports. Researchers have asked US experts to help authenticate the work—found in the northeast town of Gorizzia—independently. The volume is likely the only surviving copy.

An image of da Vinci is seen in this file photo from 2006.
An image of da Vinci is seen in this file photo from 2006.   (Getty Images)
Modern chess pieces are lined up prior to a game.
Modern chess pieces are lined up prior to a game.   (Getty Images)
Modern chess pieces are readied for a game.
Modern chess pieces are readied for a game.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Team to Unearth Bones... of Mona Lisa?

Fresco Clue Launches Hunt for Lost Da Vinci

Mold Ravages Da Vinci Codex

Collective Funk Settles on Italy


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne