Issue No. 21

Leonardo da Vinci
1452-1519
What’s on 2019:
The Last Supper
tapestry based on
Leonardo da
Vinci’s fresco will
be presented, the
first time it has
been shown
outside of Italy
together with
artworks from
international
museums. Woven
for Louise of Savoy
mother of Francis
before 1514. In 1533,
Francis gave it to
Pope Clement VII
on the occasion of
the marriage of his
son Henri II and
the Pope’s niece,
Catherine de’
Medici.
www.vinci-closluce.com
Chateau du Clos Lucé
When Francis I issued an invite to Leonardo
da Vinci he travelled to France by donkey –
carrying the Mona Lisa painting - and
headed over the alps to the Loire Valley. He
spent the rest of his life at the Chateau du
Clos Lucé working on engineering and
architectural projects, completing the Mona
Lisa, scribbling his notes and inspiring the
King. The chateau du Clos Lucé was joined
by a secret underground passage to the
nearby Chateau d'Amboise where Francis 1
lived and Leonardo would scuttle along it to
meet with his patron. Francis was very fond
of the Italian architect, painter, philosopher,
engineer, botanist, poet, musician, writer
and more.
Leonardo died at the chateau on May 2,
1519 – his work having changed the world.
Visit the castle today and discover an
atmospheric museum, restored and
furnished in Renaissance style. It’s very
easy to imagine the great man living and
working there. In what was his bedroom
Minette the cat sleeps on the bed, in his
workshop and study, notes, paintings, an
easel, the tools of his trade are laid out.
There is a fabulous 3D film and models of
some of his most incredible projects.
Read more about the Chateau du Clos Lucé
The 15 acre park contains more amazing
models of the great man’s inventions. The
trees are hung with huge translucent
representations of his paintings and
sayings, they seem to float. It’s romantic,
ethereal and beautifully done.
Read more about the gardens of Clos Luce
here.
As well as a charming creperie and snack
style restaurant the Auberge du Prieuré
restaurant in a former 16th century house
serves typical French Renaissance dishes.