A man needing no introduction, 500 years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci, the Genius, is currently being honoured throughout Italy and the world. Celebrations will highlight this great Master; a painter, sculptor, scientist, engineer, mathematician, inventor, astronomer, architect, musician and writer. Known foremost as a painter, with famous works such as the Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, and, The Last Supper, there is much to celebrate.
Official celebrations commenced on May 2, in Rome, at Palazzo Quirinale, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Sergio Mattarella sounded the bell as a dedication to Leonardo da Vinci. This was the official opening to the Celebrating Leonardo event which will tour cities such as Florence, Milan, Paris, New York, Berlin, Madrid, to name a few.
Celebrations feature exciting aspects of Italian Excellence through Art, gourmet food, fashion, furnishing, design, science, technology and theatre.
In the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, an exciting exhibition of Leonardo’s annotations and drawings from 1504 to 1508 are on display. These works can be viewed interactively through a recently invented multimedia aid. This is befitting in honouring a true innovative Genius.
At Palazzo Strozzi, an exhibition is showcasing masterpieces by Verrocchio, the Master of Leonardo, as well as other famous masters like Perugino, Ghirlandaio, and works by Leonardo, himself. Palazzo Vecchio will also display Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus which he worked on whilst in Tuscany.
In Prato, outside of Florence, at the Textile Museum, a special exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci: Genius and Textiles is showing his research into drawings of the mechanization of materials such as silk, yarns and fibres.
In Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo, his first works ever recorded (at the age of 21) are on show. These works are quite fragile, so only on display for a brief period. Exhibitions in Turin, Milan and Venice will also be held throughout the year.
Leonardo da Vinci exhibitions outside of Italy
In the UK, a showcase of Leonardo’s famous drawings “A life in Drawings” including his ‘Invisible Ink’ drawings and ‘Mirror Writing’ drawings will be a major highlight.
Queen Elizabeth II inherited more than five hundred drawings by Leonardo which were purchased by King Charles II. These drawings will be featured in exhibitions in various English Museums. In New York there will be displays of drawings and reproductions of Leonardo’s inventions as well as a Tapestry of the Mona Lisa, a 360 degree replica, the largest ever made.
In France, at Chateau de Clos-Luce, in Amboise where Leonardo died, a tapestry of The Last Supper will be displayed, on loan from the Vatican. Leonardo went to France at the age of 64 in 1516, at this stage he was crippled with pain in his hands and could no longer paint. He died on May 2, 1519 aged 67.
All these exhibitions celebrate Leonardo by showcasing the diversity of this Genius. Money will also be raised to go towards building a pavilion for visitors to walk through 500 years of Leonardo’s dreams, a sort of guiding expo showcasing Leonardo’s art and inventions.
Vita Italian Tours visit a number of galleries and museums on our tours which showcase the works of Leonardo da Vinci as well as other famous Renaissance artists. Contact us today to join us on one of our tours.
Vita Italian Tours and Pronto Travel can also help you plan your visit to other parts of Europe or the world, and organise a visit to any of Leonardo’s famous anniversary exhibitions.