When Leonardo da Vinci arrived to Amboise in the Loire Valley of central France in 1516, he was accompanied by several of his disciples. They included his faithful servant, Battista de Villanis and Count Francesco Melzi, who would play a prominent role as executor and principal heir upon da Vini’s death. Leonardo carried three paintings to France—The Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist (now displayed at the National Gallery, London), Saint Jean Baptiste (now displayed at the Louvre, Paris), and perhaps, the most famous painting ever, the Mona Lisa (also displayed at the Louvre, Paris).
In December, 1615, King Francis I had offered Leonardo da Vinci the position of “The King’s First Painter, Engineer and Architect.” Leonardo accepted and received a handsome pension and use of Manoir du Cloux, currently, Château du Clos Lucé, which is located only 500 meters from the Royal Château of Amboise. Francis I thought highly of Leonardo and immensely enjoyed listening to him during their almost daily chats. An underground passageway between the châteaux made their meetings much easier to attend. Leonardo would retire at the Manoir du Cloux, although he would remain busy on various projects including finishing his famed painting Saint Jean Baptiste.
On a glorious summer’s day, I was very lucky to visit the Loire Valley. If you missed it, please read my first post from this area of France, Finding Leonardo Da Vinci, My Visit to the Château d’Amboise. Now, let’s visit the Château du Clos Lucé. This is the view from inside the grounds but wait, we’re ahead of ourselves. Let’s go back outside and stand in line. We still have to pay admission.
Continue Reading…
