Hi! It’s Thursday, April 21, 2011 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!
Recommended Website:
Leonardo’s Horse
Age Range: 12 and up (approximately with parental supervision; younger children may enjoy aspects of this site)
ClickScholar Kristin recommended this website that provides the history of how in 1482, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Italy, to construct the largest equine statue ever built. Leonardo’s full-scale clay model, that stood 24 feet high, was destroyed by French archers who used it for target practice.
Five hundred years later, an American pilot and art collector named Charles Dent decided that the colossal horse should be recreated as an expression of gratitude for the immense cultural, artistic, and scientific legacy of Leonardo and the Renaissance. He thought it should be given to the Italian people as a gesture of international goodwill and peace.
This website chronicles the fascinating history of how Dent accomplished his mission (and more!) and includes photographs of all stages of development.
The Horse, Il Cavallo, is faithful to Leonardo’s original drawings, and much like the Statue of Liberty, will stand for a thousand years as a symbol of friendship between nations.
After reading the history and viewing the photographs, use the menu at the top of the page and click on “The Seven Principles” to learn the seven character traits that made Leonardo da Vinci one of the most influential geniuses in history.
Don’t miss the links to other sites about Leonardo da Vinci too. Parents, as always, should preview the sites and supervise internet exploration.
