Breve biografia di Leonardo da Vinci

After another change of power in Milan, Leonardo left again in 1513. He went to Rome with the help of Giuliano de’ Medici, a brother of the pope. Rome was full of great works of art, and Michelangelo and Raphael were working on important projects. Leonardo, however, did not receive a major public project. Michelangelo and Raphael did. He spent a lot of time studying mirrors, plants, machines, and water. Few documents tell us how he felt during these quieter years.

Then a new opportunity came from France. The young king, Francis I, admired Italian art and invited Leonardo to live near his palace. In 1516, Leonardo crossed the mountains and travelled north. He took his notebooks and several paintings with him, probably including the Mona Lisa. In France, he received a good salary, a comfortable house, and a place of honour. Francesco Melzi travelled with him.

Leonardo lived at Clos Lucé, a small castle near the king’s home in Amboise. He was the king’s first painter, engineer, and architect. His health was getting worse, so he probably painted less than before. However, he continued to make plans for buildings, systems to bring water, and parties for the king. King Francis I treated him with great respect, as an artist and adviser. He valued Leonardo’s knowledge, not just the works he was able to create. In his final years, Leonardo continued to work on his notes and projects. Francesco Melzi stayed close to him and helped him with his work. Many paintings, machines, and books that he wanted to write were still unfinished. Leonardo tried to understand almost everything, but one life was not enough. This great curiosity was his strength, but also his sadness. Every answer seemed to create many new questions.

Leonardo died at Clos Lucé on 2 May 1519. He was sixty-seven years old. He left most of his notebooks to Francesco Melzi, who tried to protect them. After Melzi’s death, many pages were sold, separated, or lost. The Mona Lisa later entered the French royal collection and remained in France. At first, Leonardo was buried in a church, but that church was later destroyed. Today, we do not know for certain where his remains are. Today, only a few paintings by Leonardo remain. But the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper are among the most famous works of art in the world. His failed experiments and unfinished projects are also important for understanding his story. They remind us that success is not enough to do great things. Leonardo observed, tried, failed, changed direction, and observed again. This habit of asking questions turned a boy from Vinci into one of the most extraordinary people in history.