The Life and Travels of da Vinci 2nd Trilogy: The Life and Travels of da Vinci

Leonardo: A Return to Florence

Chapter One

Between Venice and Florence, 1500

Luca almost tripped over Leonardo as he suddenly stopped just in front of him on the dirt road. Leonardo reached into the leather pouch on the side of his belt. He quickly drew out a small notebook and began to sketch.

Luca laughed as he regained his balance and stood next to Leonardo, trying to follow his gaze off towards the mountains. What are you sketching this time, my friend? I think you have already made enough sketches on this journey to keep one paper supplier in business for quite some time.

Leonardo said nothing for a few moments, concentrating on the landscape that spread out in front of him. But soon he was putting away the notebook and ready to walk again. I like the way that bridge looks, between the hills to our north, and I wanted to record it quickly. It may be useful in a future painting, who knows? Besides— Leonardo turned to look behind them to the two men some distance down the road. It will give our servants more time to catch up with us. We make much better time just walking than they do with the little carts they must push along.

Luca nodded his agreement. I am sure they have little concern of us getting too far ahead of them, as often as we stop to examine things.

Leonardo shrugged and continued walking. We have no particular need to hurry. No one in Florence awaits us, and the weather is especially pleasant for this time of year. I am pleased to be able to enjoy the countryside on this journey, rather than rushing from place to place as we have had to do on our last couple of travels.

Luca agreed again. Yes, we were in quite the hurry when we rode from Milan to Mantua, and then again from Mantua to Venice. I don’t recall you doing much sketching on either of those trips.

I recall stopping to sketch the amphitheater in Verona, and of course the equestrian statue in Padua, but little else. Both times we were in such a hurry that time for sketching seemed a luxury we didn’t have. But on this trip, time is ours to spend as we wish. The travel time to Florence will be a couple of weeks, more or less, regardless of our speed, so I don’t think a day or two more will matter much. Unless you have some reason for hurrying that you have not yet shared.

Luca pretended to pout. I wasn’t complaining about the stops, Master Leonardo. I was merely pointing out how much you were sketching. I keep most of my mathematical work floating around in my head when I work on it, but you entrust most of your studies to paper. It is a difference, not a fault.

Leonardo had to agree that he used quite a bit of paper for his sketches and was glad that the price of paper had dropped so much in recent years. I don’t know what I would be doing for sketchbooks if paper was not so inexpensive. It is certainly difficult for me to imagine having to be frugal with it. It is the one thing besides food that I feel compelled to spend money on, even in difficult financial times. Though with what we were paid for our six weeks’ work in Venice, I would not consider this one of my most pressing financial times.

Luca laughed again and pointed at the servants behind them that had just come back into view after rounding a curve in the road. Of the money you spend on paper for sketchbooks, there is no doubt. Our overflowing carts are testimony to that. I don’t believe we have much in them besides your papers.

Leonardo thought for a moment before answering. Well, there are a few books that I bought in Milan that I hadn’t wanted to part with when we left there, and a couple of small, unfinished paintings; but, you are right, other than those, it is mainly my papers that they are transporting for us.

As the two men turned back to the dirt road in front of them, Leonardo spoke again. I have enjoyed our time in Venice, but I am actually glad to be leaving. I always felt like a foreigner while we were there.

Luca nodded. It was good to be back in Venice after so many years, but I too felt like a foreigner this time around for some reason. Luca wondered if his friend was nervous about returning to Florence after an absence of so many years, and wondered whether this was a good time to bring up the topic. He finally decided it was and plunged right in. So, what do you think Florence will be like after all the years that you have been away? Do you think it’s changed much since you left for Milan almost twenty years ago?

Leonardo didn’t seem too concerned about the change in topic, answering easily as they continued their walk, I didn’t kept up with the politics in Florence much; keeping up with the politics of Milan while I was there was more than enough for me. Until recently I never planned to return to Florence. I did hear that my old master, Andrea del Verrocchio passed away and that the Medici are no longer in charge there, so those are two big changes, of course. It will be interesting to see what has become of Verrocchio’s workshop and how the city is faring in its new republican form.

I have heard that the city is still recovering from the four years of Fra Savonarola’s control. Even two years after Savonarola’s death and the end of his countless bonfires of the vanities, it seems that the city is still reeling from his influences.

Leonardo laughed. I didn’t think as a Franciscan friar you would have paid much interest to the comings and goings of a Dominican friar.

Luca laughed also. It was difficult not to follow the news, even from many miles away. As a Franciscan friar, I have taken a vow of poverty and simplicity, so I am not caught up in the fancies of this world that Savonarola was so concerned about. And I can understand how as a Dominican friar who had been trained to preach and teach that he felt the need to tell people of their sins and transgressions, but it does sound like things got out of hand when he was trying to rid the city of its vices. It is one thing to preach the need to end sinful behaviors, but it is quite another to try to violently force that on folks. Or even worse, to involve children in the act of gathering up the supposedly evil articles of musical instruments, perfumes, mirrors, and paintings. I believe he went much beyond what God had called him to do.

Leonardo was accustomed to his religious friend trying to bring God into their conversations, but he was still surprised to hear him speak in this manner. He had always thought that religious men looked out for one another and supported each other’s actions, no matter how extreme they might be. It was good to know that Luca wouldn’t put a stamp of approval on someone as violent as Savonarola, regardless of the religious claims Savonarola had made.

Luca looked pained as he dwelled on Savonarola’s religious extremism and Leonardo decided it was time to change the conversation to a more pleasant topic. Speaking of news from afar, what do you think of the news of the Genoese explorer, Cristoforo Colombo?

As Leonardo had hoped, Luca did brighten up immediately. I have heard that Master Colombo has now made several journeys across the Atlantic Ocean at the request and expense of the Spanish crown. I don’t think he was successful in finding the Spanish a new route to the Orient, but he may have discovered new lands for the Spanish instead.

Yes, but I believe his journeys were at least partially funded by wealthy private Italian investors. The Italians and the Spanish are becoming more and more entangled these days.

Luca nodded, thinking the Spanish pope currently residing in Rome was proof enough of that. As a man of the cloth who has taken a vow of poverty, it is hard for me to imagine having that much money to invest in anything, let alone a voyage such as the one that Colombo proposed. But from the sounds of it, they may all be well rewarded for their investments. It does make one appreciate how much more there is to the world God made than most of us have ever realized, doesn’t it?

Leonardo smiled at yet another religious reference from his friend, and then responded, Yes, indeed. He was glad they had moved on to this new topic. They would walk and talk for many miles to come; it would be nice for most of their time to be on subjects that were pleasant for both of them!

Leonardo continued, I am glad that men like Colombo want to explore the world beyond Italy and Spain. I doubt that I will ever have the opportunity to travel further than we’ve already gone recently, but I am happy to study the world in front of me. Look there, to the south, Luca; do you see the openings to the cave off the road a bit?

Luca nodded and Leonardo continued, I did not come this far from home when I was younger, of course, but I explored several caves near Vinci when I was a boy. Have you ever been inside a cave?

Luca cringed at the thought. No, my friend, going into physical darkness reminds me of spiritual darkness. I prefer to stay in the light.

Leonardo was not surprised, and he continued. But in caves, one must simply bring a light. I explored the caves near Anchiano and Vinci when I was young. I would bring a torch with me when I went. I found many interesting formations of the earth that don’t appear outside of caves. I probably have sketches of some of them still somewhere.

Luca laughed. I’m sure you do. But whether you could actually find them; that would be the real question.

Now Leonardo pretended to pout. Master Luca, you know I am trying to organize my notes and papers, or at least I was before we left Milan in such a hurry. But there are thousands of pages and the organization of them seems to take more time than I am ever able to dedicate to the project. But, as I was trying to say about the caves...

Luca interrupted him again, Yes, yes, you were trying to convince me that caves were not dark and dreary places. Please continue.

In addition to the unusual formations that I saw throughout the caves, I would often stumble upon fossils that had been buried there. Most of the fossils appeared to be from the types of animals that still roam through Tuscany today. But the ones that really intrigued me were the fossils of sea creatures. I can think of no explanation for finding those types of fossils high in the Tuscan hills, far from any large bodies of water.

Luca, on the other hand, had no doubts as to where such fossils would have come from, and spoke his mind immediately. A worldwide flood, of course. You are familiar with the account in Genesis of such a thing, aren’t you, Leonardo?

Leonardo shook his head. I do not waste the time I have spent learning Latin to study Scriptures; that is your job, Luca! I would rather read Vitruvius’ work than Scriptures. You know that.

Luca nodded. Yes, you have pointed that out to me on numerous occasions. Fortunately, I have time to read both Scriptures and the classics, so I do not have to make such a choice. But it is interesting to hear of the fossils you found in those caves. I’m not sure that would be enough to cause me to actually want to go into one, but I’m happy to hear of them.

As the two men continued walking, Leonardo pointed out the river that had come into view in the distance. I was able to spend a fair amount of time in Milan studying water and learning how to harness it for the Duke. I hope to be able to continue my study of hydraulics when I am back in Florence. The River Arno is such an important part of life there.

Yes, as it is so many places. Will you continue your study of mathematics with me as well?

Of course, Luca, of course. I feel that with your help over the last several years, my understanding of geometry in particular has expanded so much, and someday I may actually understand Euclid! So I certainly want to continue our study together of that important topic. It has helped me immensely in my paintings, to accomplish the sense of realism I desire, and to properly show proportions.

I had wondered if you meant to continue painting, Leonardo.

I expect to be very busy with my scientific and mathematical studies, of course. But painting does seem to bring in the most money. The ducats we received from the Venetians in payment for our work there will keep us going for a while, but yes, I will most likely accept a limited number of commissions for painting. Besides, it does give me opportunities to continue to experiment with the techniques that I have borrowed from the Flemish painters. Rumor has it that my painting in Milan of the Last Supper has caused quite a stir, even in Florence, so I may finally be able to receive important commissions there as a result.

I’m glad to hear it. I would hate to see you give up painting altogether. It seemed that with all that the Duke gave you to do, you didn’t have much time to paint in Milan, but I enjoyed seeing your work on the Last Supper. Speaking of commissions, isn’t Isabella d’Este still desirous of a portrait by you?

Leonardo nodded. She was quite disappointed that we left Mantua before I managed to complete a painting of her. I am hoping that she will be satisfied with the drawing that I left behind from our sitting sessions. I have some other sketches of our time together in one of my sketchbooks, of course, but I would really rather not go back to them anytime soon. First of all, just finding them would be an arduous task!

Both men looked back at the servants and the overflowing carts and laughed.

Luca spoke first. Yes, I can see how difficult looking for anything in particular would be for you. I am sure Madam Isabella is now preoccupied with the affairs of state and will forgive you the unfinished painting.

Leonardo shrugged. Possibly. Though Madam Isabella seemed very capable of managing both the affairs of state and whatever personal matters she wanted to attend to at the same time. So I am sure that if she is still wanting a portrait from me, she will let me know!

Luca had to agree. He had not met Isabella d’Este before their brief stay in Mantua, but he had no doubt that she could accomplish whatever she put her mind to, both in and out of her city.

Leonardo, up ahead I see the monastery I was telling you about. I know of no others close by, so I am thinking that is where we will want to stay for the night. Since we are stopping early tonight, we can get an early start in the morning if you would like.

Leonardo nodded his agreement. It had been another good day of traveling with his friend, but they certainly didn’t want to push on and risk being on these roads after dark. Florence was slowly getting closer, and he wondered again what it really would be like to return to the city that had been his home for so many years, but that he had been away from for so very long.

Chapter Two

Florence, 1500

The journey from Venice had gone well and had taken just over two weeks, as Leonardo had predicted. They were finally back in very familiar looking areas, and Leonardo knew that the walls of Florence would appear before them soon.

He and Luca had talked about many topics on their way, but there was one topic that Luca had not brought up, and that he had avoided as well – his father. It was inevitable that he would have contact with his father now that they would be living in the same city again. They had not parted on bad terms when Leonardo had left for Milan more than seventeen years ago. They had just parted. They had actually not spoken to each other for the last several years that Leonardo had been in Florence and Leonardo had been content with that.

Leonardo knew that his father had married a fourth time, and finally had children that he was raising in his home. These new children would certainly be entitled to their father’s estate, and Leonardo knew that just as he had not really been a part of his father’s life, he would not likely be a part of his will when that time came, either. Leonardo understood those things. But he wondered, now that he was an established painter, would his father at least acknowledge him as his son – his eldest son?

As he walked quietly towards the Florentine walls, the thoughts of his father reminded him of his final time with his mother. She had been out of his life for most of his life, and then had showed up unexpectedly one day in his studio in Milan. She was very sickly at the time and Leonardo had rightly suspected that she did not have long to live. But she stayed with him during those final days, admired his work, and seemed extremely proud of him, her oldest son. They spoke little of the missing years, but enjoyed their last little time together. Leonardo did not expect such a reunion with his father, but hoped that they would at least be able to speak again.

Luca had been walking alongside the quiet Leonardo, observing his melancholy friend as they approached the city. Leonardo had said little on this, their final day on the road, but Luca was content to be there by his side, praying for his thoughts and anguishes.

Leonardo was surprised at the emotions he felt as the gates of the city came into view; he certainly had not expected to feel this way. It was as if he was coming home – an odd sensation that he had never before experienced. Florence was not his birthplace, or even where he had spent his childhood years. But it was where he had become an artist – where he had first made a name for himself – both inside and outside the walls of Verrocchio’s studio. It was from here that he had gone out into the rest of the world – first to Milan and then to places beyond. In fact, it was his start here that had earned him the nickname Leonardo the Florentine.

Coming to the city from the northeast, he approached the gate. He had been here many times before, but obviously not in a long time. The city walls and the gate beckoned him as if welcoming back one of their own. Leonardo had almost forgotten about his traveling companions. Luca had held back a bit the closer they got to the city, as if he appreciated Leonardo’s need for a solitary return.

Leonardo drew closer to the Porta Alla Croce and considered just how old the gates to his home city really were. Whatever else may have changed during his extended absence, the city fortifications appeared to have remained essentially the same. Leonardo paused briefly as he passed under the arch of the gate. He was still puzzled at the joy he was feeling at his return. Passing through into the city he was almost overwhelmed by the familiar sounds and smells. Milan and Venice had both been fascinating cities, but neither compared to Florence, he thought with unexpected pleasure.

Leonardo walked completely past the city walls and into the city. At that moment he finally remembered his friend Luca. Turning around he saw Luca standing patiently just inside the city wall. And just beyond him the servants were coming back into view, looking relieved that their lengthy journey was almost at its end.

When Leonardo stopped, Luca came forward and addressed his good friend. We are here, Leonardo. Does it seem as you had remembered?

Leonardo took in as much of the city as he could see from their vantage point. Yes, so far it is as I recalled.

Luca turned again to the servants who looked anxious to be relieved of their burdens. The day is still young. Should we get settled at the monastery, and then you can show me around your city, Leonardo?

Leonardo approved of that plan. They could drop off their belongings, give the servants a well-deserved afternoon off, and see what Florence looked like after an absence of almost two decades.

That evening Leonardo was sure that he was the most tired he had been since they had departed Venice more than two weeks earlier. He had taken Luca to see Verrocchio’s old workshop and was happy to find it still there and in the capable hands of Lorenzo di Credi. He and Credi had apprenticed together decades earlier.

They had gone by several of the more important churches in the city, seen the Medici palace, and the current seat of government, the Palazzo della Signoria. Leonardo had wanted to stop by his father’s office, but had changed his mind. If their first encounter did not go well, he did not want to risk it ruining his first day back in Florence.

Chapter Three

Florence, 1500

Leonardo was almost puzzled by the reactions he received as he got settled back into his home city. It did appear that his reputation had preceded him back to Florence. When he had lived here before, it seemed that few knew him by sight, and even fewer by reputation. But now, complete strangers were stopping him on the street to greet him.

And it seemed that the young artists he had grown up with were coming to him almost daily to discuss the techniques he had used in painting the Last Supper – both his avoidance of the typical fresco methods and his employment of perspective. His unusual use of oil-based paints instead of egg-based paints in all of his paintings seemed to interest many of them as well.

Which is interesting, he thought, since I have been using oil based paints since I started painting thirty years ago. At that time, most people just thought it was odd, but now others seem more interested in knowing about my methods and why I employ them.

Leaving Florence almost eighteen years ago had been an easy decision, but returning now had come to him as a reluctant choice. He was glad to see that settling back in would not be as difficult as he had feared.

Shortly after they had arrived, Leonardo was pleased to be offered work in two places – San Miniato al Monte and San Salvatore. What pleased him even more was that neither of the churches wanted to offer him painting commissions; they both wanted his assistance with architectural matters.

On a clear summer morning, Leonardo took Salai, his young servant and apprentice, along with him when he went out to inspect the work needing to be done at both churches. Let us begin early, Salai. The walk out to the San Miniato should take us about an hour. We should easily be able to see both churches and be back inside Florence before nightfall.

Salai nodded, he usually enjoyed walks outside the city. He just wished the Master wouldn’t walk so fast!

As the men crossed the River Arno on the Ponte Vecchio, Salai tried to look at all the little shops on both sides of the bridge, frustrated that Leonardo didn’t even seem to slow his pace. On the other side of the river, he tried not to groan aloud as he saw the steep road they were about to ascend. They turned off the road just before they reached the city gate. Salai wanted to slow down long enough to examine the carving on the outside of the gate that depicted St. George fighting a dragon, but Leonardo continued along the inside of the city walls.

Just as Salai thought their walk would finally level out, Leonardo turned and they continued uphill instead. Now Salai could see vast stone steps leading up in front of them. He knew better than to argue with Leonardo about the climb; he wasn’t thrilled with the idea of climbing so many stairs, but the Master seldom asked his opinion on such matters. This time Leonardo did stop, though not to catch his breath as Salai did. Leonardo had already removed his ever-present notebook from his belt, and had begun sketching the monastery in front and above that seemed to tower over them. Just as quickly as he had started his sketching, Leonardo had put his notebook away and continued to move up the hill.

It wasn’t until they were almost completely up the first portion of the stairs that they saw the terraced gardens positioned between them and the church. Salai had to admit that the gardens and the buildings looked very picturesque with the Tuscan hills rising behind them. Panting, he was glad when they finally stood in front of the church.

Leonardo didn’t even seem short of breath as he pointed to the right of the building. He had already retrieved his notebook and continued sketching the various buildings in front of them. The Olivetan monks desire my opinion on the best location for their new bell tower. Here, Salai, you can see where their previous tower was located, on the right side of the church, but they will be happier if they construct it in this location to the left. They can construct the tower out of brown brick, to match the other buildings of their complex, rather than the white façade of the church. It will be a much more pleasant addition that way.

Leonardo turned his notebook for Salai to see. He had quickly drawn the church, positioned the bell tower in the suggested location, and even drawn in some of the shadows it would cast. In this position, their tower will be visible from down below, in Florence. Salai nodded at his master’s suggestion.

After a little more sketching, Leonardo tore the sheet from his notebook and handed it to Salai. Take this to the priest inside the church and tell him your master has completed the task. I will be out here waiting for you. As Salai headed inside to complete his mission, Leonardo sat down with his back to the church, facing the mountains in the distance and began to draw again. We are here, he thought. I should take advantage of the opportunity to sketch this view of the surrounding landscape before we move on.

Leonardo was intently sketching when Salai returned with a few coins for his master. Leonardo took them and added them to his coin purse and then put his hand back out. All of the coins they gave you, Salai.

Salai considered objecting that his master didn’t trust him, but knew there would be no moving on until he produced the final two coins. How does he do that, Salai wondered? I don’t believe they had settled on a specific price. But Leonardo always seems to know when I try to short him.

Salai was surprised that Leonardo took them out a different direction as they left San Miniato. Instead of going back down the stairs the way they had come, they stepped under an arch and made their way down a smaller path, straight towards the river. As they walked by a grove of cypress trees, Salai could see a much smaller church ahead of them.

Leonardo commented as they drew closer, San Salvatore is a new church; it was just begun last year by Franciscan monks, but they are already having difficulty with it. We must determine what is causing the water to penetrate the stones of their foundation.

Salai quickly followed his master, laughing to himself at Leonardo’s use of the word we. Salai was sure he had only been brought along so that Leonardo would not have to trek out to the churches alone, or possibly just to keep him out of trouble. But when it came to architectural difficulties, he was certainly not there to be of any real assistance. But regardless, he liked to be around when the Master was being consulted. It didn’t seem to matter what the question was, or what problem someone was having, his master would probably have a solution. Salai had once wondered how someone with as little schooling as Leonardo could know so much, but the longer he was with the Master, the less difficulty he had understanding it. Salai had determined that Leonardo was not unschooled at all – he merely taught himself. And he had taught himself so much and on so many topics that Salai was having trouble just keeping up with the subjects, never mind all the information Leonardo’s head seemed to hold. Just since they had moved to Florence, he had seen Leonardo reading books on geology, astronomy, geometry, and architecture. Maybe others, too. It made Salai’s head hurt just thinking about it. He didn’t see the point in all those books, personally. But Leonardo clearly did.

Salai was surprised when Leonardo stopped suddenly. Leonardo addressed him abruptly, Let’s walk around the church slowly and see what the foundation looks like.

As they walked around the church, Salai wondered what his master was even looking for. He watched intently as Leonardo examined the stones on the outside of the building. Suddenly they were inside the building. Salai was surprised at how plain this church was compared to the one they had just left. Apparently the Franciscans took their vows of poverty seriously. Leonardo didn’t even seem to notice; he was carefully inspecting the inside walls of the church for structural issues and seemed not to pay attention to anything else. Salai was impressed that his master seemed to have no difficulty spotting where the walls were in need of repair.

And then, just as quickly as they had started, it seemed that they were done. Salai watched as Leonardo approached the priest in the front of the church. Your church was not built properly into the hillside. But I can show you where the water is penetrating the layers of stones and going through the bricks. You will need to remake some of the layers, but that will correct the problem.

Soon the men were finished and heading back towards the city below. Leaving the church, they walked carefully down the stone steps that led them down to another city gate, the Porta San Niccolo. The two men made their way along the Arno River, back to the bridge they had crossed earlier. Salai wondered what topic the Master would be focusing on this time when they returned to the workshop. Maybe in between studying, he would find time to give Salai some more lessons with a paintbrush. It seemed sometimes to Salai that Leonardo only treated him like a servant, rather than an apprentice, but after so many years with the Master he could see that he was slowly getting pretty good at painting, and life was always exciting, so he had no real complaints.

Chapter Four

Florence, 1500

Leonardo walked slowly along the familiar streets of Florence. He observed the birds flying overhead and remembered the studies of flight he had made when he had last lived in Florence, and again when he had been in Milan. He was still convinced that humans would someday be able to join the birds as they soared above the earth, though he was also quite aware that most people found the idea preposterous. He longed for time to actually build some of the plans he had been working on, wanting to test their viability outside the limitations of his imagination and his notebooks.

As he continued to watch the birds he heard his name called. He turned to see Filippino Lippi, an artist he knew more by reputation than direct contact. Leonardo, do I interrupt you or may I join you as you walk?

"Please join me. I’m in no need of solitude at the moment. I have just been studying the flight of birds again. But