Leonardo Da Vinci Chess Set

The Historical Chess Set Series

#7 - Leonardo Da Vinci 's Chess Set

In 2006, researchers in Italy reported the discovery of a manuscript on the game of chess by Luca Pacioli, a leading mathematician of the Renaissance. The manuscript is dated late fifteenth and early sixteenth century. A dated watermark on one of its pages sets the date to 1496, while a request for a printing privilege establishes the date as 1508. 

After years of debate and exhaustive study, researchers declared the manuscript a preparatory autograph for Pacioli's De Ludo Scachorum (Latin: On the Game of Chess). Pacioli's manuscript contains chess problems, the rules of chess, and illustrations by Da Vinci. It results from a substantial collaboration between Pacioli and Leonardo Da Vinci. The manuscript was known to exist only through Pacioli's reference in his writings and was presumed lost for centuries.

The conclusion that Da Vinci contributed to the illustrations and design of the chess pieces in De Ludo Scachorum is not without debates and detractors. Rocco writes, "Some presume that Da Vinci was so exclusively dedicated to transcendent thought and removed from everyday reality that he would never have devoted himself to chess. Consequently, he would never have committed himself to designing chess pieces."

The evidence convinces me this design is the work of Da Vinci. I invite those persons interested to read through the reference material and draw your conclusions. 

NOTES:

I found at least two versions of Leonardo's chess set, whose main difference is the depiction of the rook chess piece. This model represents the version found in Leonardo's Chessmen as it has diagrams and dimensions for each chess piece and an academic study supporting the origin of the design.

Size (height/base): 

With a king height of 95 mm (3 ¾") when printed as modeled, this set is the size of Staunton Scale 6 (St. 6).

• ♔ King: 95 mm / 47.2 mm
• ♕ Queen and alternate: 92.6 mm / 32 mm
• ♗ Bishop: 56.6 mm / 32 mm
• ♘ Knight: 64 mm / 32 mm
• ♖ Rook: 68.7 mm / 32 mm
• ♙ Pawn: 51.9 mm / 32 mm

Scaling:

Because of the wide upper extent diameters and smaller base diameters, some might find the set a little crowded on a standard tournament board with 2.25" squares. Print the Bishop and Knight and place them on the board for a feeling of how the pieces will feel on your board. Your mileage may vary.

To resize this set to one of the following standard sizes, scale the model by the factor given before printing.

• FIDE Size 1 - St. 5 (King 87 mm): 0.92 (92%)
• Club Size - St. 9 (King 112 mm): 1.18 (118%)

REFERENCES:

• Leonardo DaVinci Chess men
• Rocco, Franco. 2018. Leonardo's Chessmen. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
• Rocco, Franco. 2013. Leonardo & Luca Pacioli the Evidence : New Rules New Shapes in the Manuscript of Luca Pacioli About Chess. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
• Chess pieces designed by a great master! 
• La via geometrica. Da Scaccomatto agli scacchi di Leonardo da Vinci (Italian) 

ABOUT THE HISTORICAL CHESS SET SERIES:

Introducing a remarkable resource for chess lovers and history buffs – a collection of historical chess set printable models from around the world! Immerse yourself in the game's rich cultural history with designs ranging from the ancient world to modern times. Each set is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its era that showcases the evolution of chess throughout the centuries, providing a stunning visual representation of the game's journey that will impress any chess enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned player or a history buff, this collection has something to offer everyone. Join us on a journey through time and discover the beauty and intricacy of chess through these historical sets, which will captivate, inspire, and invite you to engage with the game in a whole new way. 

CHESS SETS IN THIS SERIES:

1. Man Ray 1945 Prototype Wood Chess Set - March 13, 2023
   1945 Wood Chess Set prototype design by Man Ray, as illustrated in the book "Imagery of Chess, Revisited".
2. Austrian Biedermeier Coffeehouse Chess Set - March 19, 2023
   An Austrian chess set in the Biedermeier Coffeehouse style made around the Biedermeier period between 1815 and 1850.
3. French Directoire Chess Set - March 26, 2023
   A classic French chess set design, also called the French Revolutionary chess set, from the Directoire period 1795-1799.
4. English Rowbotham Chess Set - March 26, 2023
   A stylized chess set commissioned by the Reverend Rowbotham from John Jaques of London and designed by Nathaniel Cook.
5. Soviet-Era Russian Poni Minimalist Chess Set - March 31, 2023
   Russian chess set designed in the 1920s by Alexey Poni, a classic example of minimalistic style and functional design.
6. French Dierdot Chess Set - April 8, 2023
   French chess set also known as the Encyclopédie Chess Set, an artifact of the 18th-century French Enlightenment period.
7. Leonardo Da Vinci's Chess Set - April 14, 2023
   Leonardo Da Vinci's chess set design found in De Ludo Scachorum, written by Luca Pacioli, a Renaissance mathematician.
8. Duetsche Bundesform Chess Set - April 21, 2023
   Deutsche Bundesform (German Federation Form) chess pieces used exclusively at the Munich Chess Olympiad in 1936.
9. Czechoslovakian Coffeehouse Chess Set - April 28, 2023
   A vintage coffeehouse style chess set similar to those made in Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) ca. 1950. 
10. Romanian Bundesform Chess Set - May 7, 2023
    Chess set originating in Romania in the early 20th century exhibiting the German Bundesform style of chess pieces.
11. Polish Coffeehouse Chess Set - May 15, 2023
    A rare Polish coffeehouse design heavily influenced by Austrian aesthetics and the popular Regence style of 18th Century France.
12. Budapest/Hungarian Chess Set - May 19, 2023
    This is a unique and elegant Staunton-inspired chess set made in Hungary ca. 1920's-1930's with a rare Knight shape.
13. Bulgarian Chess Set - May 26, 2023
    A beautiful Bulgarian design chess set inspired by a handmade set made in Bulgaria/Eastern Europe ca. 1950s–1960s. 
14. Soviet-era Latvian Chess Set - June 2, 2023
    Chess set similar to the one seen in the final game between Beth and Vasily in the Netflix Series, "The Queen's Gambit".
15. Old Windsor Castle Chess Set - June 9, 2023
    Rare souvenir set of chessmen made using the old oak from the St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle during the 1820s. 
16. German Bohemia Chess Set - June 16, 2023
    German Bohemia chess set with "chicken-head" Knight made circa 1970s and designed for the 1970 Siegen Chess Olympiad.

Look for future weekly releases, including rare and beautiful Yugoslavian, and Romanian chess sets. Send me a message if you have a particular chess set design that you would like to see as a 3D model. I am always open to new ideas. Although I have steered clear of the Staunton design, I am considering adding the more popular formats, like the 1959 Zagreb and the 1950 Dubrovnik sets. Let me know if you are interested in adding Staunton sets.

FAIR AND COMMERCIAL USE:

The models in the Historical Chess Set Series allow others to enjoy playing the game of chess with something other than standard Staunton chess pieces (see license below). These models are licensed for an individual's personal use. Individuals may print sets to give away, providing parties have no other value exchange. Any commercial printing or distribution is strictly prohibited. Please don't make me wake up my lawyer; she's grumpy when she doesn't get her beauty sleep, and you will suffer the consequences.

DISCLAIMER:

Please be advised that there is no intention that the models and representations provided herein are exact reproductions of their original counterparts. Instead, they should be regarded as artistic interpretations, reflecting the creativity and vision of the artisan.

The artisan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and fidelity of these models. It is essential to recognize that they may contain variations, deviations, or artistic liberties the artisan took to enhance their aesthetic appeal or convey a particular message.

As such, we encourage users to appreciate these models for their artistic value and creative expression while acknowledging that they may not be precise replicas of the original subjects. Please enjoy these works with an open mind and a discerning eye, understanding that they represent a unique blend of historical inspiration and artistic interpretation.