Infernal machines as high art

Disclaimer: We at the MAKE blog do not advocate the construction or operation of chariots with giant whirling blades to chop people into bits, even if they are very rude. Nor, in general, do we like to celebrate the creation of unstoppable killing machines. Or even stoppable ones, for that matter. But we’re prepared to make broad, sweeping exceptions for Da Vinci, because, well, you know–prototype of the Renaissance Man and all that.

Having thus absolved myself, I present this fascinating collection of war machines designed by Leonardo himself.