Articles & Insights into the world of handwriting.

Da Vinci and his Mirror Handwriting

Mona Lisa

The Mona  Lisa is probably Da Vinci’s most famous painting.  But not only was he a famous painter – he was also an inventor of note.  Not only that – he had an amazing understanding of a wide field of knowledge in areas such as architecture, anatomy, mathematics, cartography, palaeontology and much more.

His handwriting is of great interest to graphologists. Take a look at the sample of Da Vinci’s handwriting below. The first thing you’ll notice is that it was written in mirror handwriting. In fact, if you hold the handwriting sample in front of a mirror you will see that the letters instantly become more recognizable.

Da Vinci's Mirror writing

It is well known that many left-handed writers are able to do mirror writing quite easily. Da Vinci, however, was ambidextrous so he could easily write with both hands.

It is said the he wrote his secret diaries in mirror writing using his left hand but that when he wrote an ordinary letter that he wanted people to understand, he used his right hand.

Now we know that Da Vinci was a genius and a great inventor so it is easy to say with hindsight that his writing shows genius and inventiveness .

However, even the untrained eye can recognize the busy, intricate quality of the writing; and when we examine the handwriting in greater detail, evidence of his versatility and inventiveness become quite obvious.

Here is a clearer picture of Da  Vinci’s handwriting.  Take a good look at it and tell me what you notice.

Da Vinci Handwriting

In my next post I will tell you a little about it it.  But before I publish the next post please comment on what you think is the most outstanding quality of this handwriting. I value every opinion however controversial because it makes us think!

The Da Vinci handwriting sample explained 

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Comments

  • Georgy Dobrev
    April 2, 2021

    I noticed, he didn’t connect the letters, but kept them separate. I interpret this as follows:
    – he explicitly wanted to write exactly what he wrote, instead of just writing down his very first thoughts.
    – separate letters are easier to read, so he wrote notes not only to structure his thoughts, but also to refer to them later

    • Graphology World
      April 2, 2021

      An interesting observation, Georgy.

  • Judy Walker
    April 10, 2022

    Hi,

    I have written ‘mirror writing’ since I could write. My diaries, from childhood, are written in mirror writing. I can write with both hands. When I write with my left hand, I always write in mirror writing. I am 63 years of age, and I have been writing this way all my life. I also write with my right hand. When I do, I write in normal writing. I am also able to write with both hands at once. One mirror, one normal.
    I only discovered in recent years that Da Vinci was the same way.
    Regards,

    Judy Walker
    Judy Walker

    • Graphology World
      April 10, 2022

      A very rare talent, Judy. Do you have any other skills that may be a complement to this this?

  • Marie
    May 5, 2022

    Hi,

    I am able to write mirror image in script. I am right handed and do it with my right hand. It actually is better looking than my regular script! It’s fun to do and easy once you get the hang of it.
    I also can do ventriliquism. (sp?) I’m 74 years young and enjoy many other talents too.

    Regards,
    Marie

    • Graphology World
      May 5, 2022

      How fascinating, Marie. I wonder if the ability to write in mirror scripts is some sort of indication of versatility. Or “multi-talentism” – Just coined a word! As you know Da Vinci was the master of versatility and multi-talents.

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