The artwork entitled “Death of Leonardo da Vinci” was painted by the artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in the year 1818. This oil on canvas painting adheres to the Neoclassical art movement and falls under the genre of history painting. It boasts dimensions of 40 x 50.5 cm and is housed in the Petit Palais, Paris, France.
The painting portrays the final moments of the renowned Renaissance polymath, Leonardo da Vinci. The scene is composed with Leonardo lying on a bed, appearing frail and weak, as he is cradled in the arms of a distinguished figure, traditionally identified as King Francis I of France, who is garbed in an elaborate pink and gold renaissance costume. Leonardo’s bed is draped with red curtains, adding a regal atmosphere to the scene.
The background of the artwork features a group of onlookers, who seem to be conversing and gesturing towards the central figures. Their dress and demeanor suggest they are people of significance, perhaps courtiers or close acquaintances. A young girl, standing by the side of the King, gazes upon the scene with an expression of contemplative sorrow. The facial expressions and body language of those surrounding Leonardo convey a sense of respectful mourning and deep veneration for the man on the verge of passing.
A rich interplay of light and shadow highlights the emotional intensity of the scene, with a focus on the pallid complexion of Leonardo contrasted against the vibrant colors of the royal garments. The inclusion of a religious book on the small table beside the bed serves as a reminder of the spiritual considerations that were often a part of such poignant moments in history. The artwork captures not only a supposed historical moment but also represents the enduring Neoclassical predilection for dramatizing pivotal scenes from the past with an emphasis on virtue, dignity, and stoic resolve in the face of death.