8 plates entitled: Albert de Groof / Leonardo Da Vinci 1502 / Fausto Venanzio 1615 / André Jacque Garnerin 1737 / Elise Garnerin 1746 / Sebastien Lenormand 1783 / Jean Pierre Blanchard 1793 / Robert Cocking 1837. This educational portfolio traces the origins and early development of parachuting through a series of illustrated plates dedicated to the principal pioneers of aerial descent. The publication presents key historical figures whose inventions, experiments and practical demonstrations contributed to the evolution of the parachute from a theoretical concept to a viable means of aerial safety and descent. The eight plates focus on Albert de Groof, Leonardo da Vinci, Fausto Veranzio, André-Jacques Garnerin, Élise Garnerin, Sébastien Lenormand, Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Robert Cocking. Together they illustrate the technological and scientific progress achieved between the Renaissance and the nineteenth century, highlighting the milestones that laid the foundations for modern parachuting and airborne operations. Issued by the Italian Military Parachute School, this portfolio forms part of the series I Precursori and was intended as a concise historical overview of the pioneers of parachuting. The large-format loose plates make the publication particularly suitable for educational, exhibition and reference purposes. (AI-generated content description)