The section in which I read of Nicholl's book is about Leonardo's travels in 1500-1502. Leonardo met with Isabella d'Este in Mantua. The marchioness was an almost obsessive collector and was determined to have a painting by Leonardo in her collection. Leonard made a drawing of her showing "a subtle contrast between the sweetness of the modelling and the intimated wilfulness in the profile" (Nicholl 327).
Leonardo then went briefly to Venice where he received news of Milan that was in political tormoil due to the incursion of the French. So while Leonard had intended to go to Milan he instead went Florence for the first time in 18 years, where his father (in his 70's) lived. During his time in Florence he Nicholles quotes an observation that Leonardo was "extremely irregular and haphazard, and he seems to live from day to day" (Nicholl 332). Isabella d'Este wanted a couple of paintings from Leonardo at this time, but Leonardo progressed slowly. This must have been frustrating for his patrons, but I suppose this was true to his aloof nature. Also during this time he created a cartoon of Mary, infant Christ and St Anne, which is an early prototype for a painting he finished in 1510. This was one of the few works that made during this time.
Later Leonardo came to work for Borgia cesare in the summer of 1502 for his knowledge as military engineer. Leonardo travelled around and eventually drew up a map of Imola. Nichole notes Leonard seems to have escapist tendancies in the prescence of war time, and seem to turn a blind eye to Borgia's ruthless tactics for gaining control. Eventually Leonardo left Borgi's services in 1503. In time since the death of Borgia's farther resulted in a rapid loss of power.
Good insight that Leonardo's slow manner of working must have been frustrating for his patrons. I think that too many things caught his interest so it was probably hard for him to see a project/painting through to the end because of other new ideas captivating his attention. His "aloofness", as you say, probably only makes the finished works society has today more precious.
ReplyDeleteUseful information on (another?) strange period in L's life. Cesare Borgia was the notorious son of the Borgia pope Alexander, hated by Pope Julius. Why not research Lucrezia Borgia?
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