Leonardo’s Horse, Royal Palace of Venaria Reale

In 2011, Paschetto had the privilege of bringing to life a dream that had remained unfulfilled for over 500 years: the creation, on a monumental scale, of the head of Leonardo’s Horse.

Dallo studio vinciano alla struttura lignea

The project draws its inspiration from the drawings Leonardo da Vinci produced in 1482 for the equestrian monument to Francesco Sforza. That vision, originally conceived for casting in bronze, has been translated by Paschetto into an imposing architectural work:

• Dimensions and Materials: A structure over 7 metres tall, made entirely of solid American willow wood, chosen for its mechanical and aesthetic properties.
• Technical Complexity: The work is characterised by dynamic twists and precise curves. Every element of the wooden lattice has been crafted, shaped and assembled by hand in our workshops, ensuring a balance between visual lightness and structural integrity.
• Museum Display: In 2019, the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale decided to incorporate the artwork into its outdoor exhibition route, highlighting its visual impact within the monumental Savoy setting.

Craftsmanship as a contemporary language

This installation embodies the essence of the Paschetto method: an extreme design challenge where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary modelling techniques. The precision of the wooden latticework stays true to the spirit of Leonardo’s model, transforming wood into a living material capable of interacting with the open space.

Leonardo’s Horse is a testament to how craftsmanship of the highest order can take the form of sculpture – the very same bespoke approach we apply every day in the creation of bespoke furniture and high-profile retail fit-outs.