The Reagan Library invites you to a fabulous Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in Simi Valley. Not only will you find copies of pages of the famous Codex Atlanticus written in mirror image, i.e. written with the left hand from left to right, but also live representations of his many sketches and drawings throughout it. For example, you’ll admire his Musical Cannon and Great Organ.
Here’s a quick overview of his life
Leonardo Da Vinci was born in the small town of Vinci in Tuscany, close to Florence, Italy, on 14 April 1452. He died at Clos Lucé, Amboise, France, on 2 May 1519 at the age of 67.
First Years in Florence
At age 14, Leonardo Da Vinci apprenticed in Verrocchio’s workshop in Florence. Andrea del Verrocchio was a painter, sculptor and goldsmith. He was the master of a workshop where he trained many painters.
There, Leonardo, exposed not only to the humanities but also to a vast range of technical skills such as drafting, drawing, painting, sculpting, modeling, chemistry, metallurgy, mechanics, carpentry. At 20, he became a master in the Guild of St Luke, the guild of artists and doctors of medicine.
Painter, Architect, Engineer
Up until 1481 he was commissioned for several paintings in Florence. Then, in 1482 he moved to Milan where he was at the service of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. He was employed as a military architect and engineer, devising methods to improve the city waterways.
At the same time, he painted The Last Supper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. He completed it in 1498.
In 1499, after the French invaded Italy, Ludovico Sforza was overthrown. Subsequently, Leonardo returned to Florence. Between 1500 and 1502 he painted The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist.
In 1502 he started working for Cesare Borgia as a military architect and engineer. He was traveling with him throughout Italy. You will observe, as you move along the exhibition, his numerous works relating to battleships and artillery as well as city planning.
At the end of 1503, he went back to Florence where he spent two years painting a great mural of The Battle of Anghiari for the Signoria (the Florence government at the time).
The Vatican Palace
From 1513 to 1516, he worked at the Belvedere in the Vatican palace along with Raphael and Michelangelo. In 1515, Francis I of France won the Battle of Marignano. Then, on 19th December, Leonardo assisted at the meeting between Francis I and Pope Leo X in Bologna. Subsequently, he was commissioned to build a mechanical lion for Francis I. The lion walks and hands lilies. A live representation of it stands at the beginning of the tour.
End of Life
For the last three years of his life, he worked for Francis I, and lived at Clos Lucé near the king’s residence at the Chateau Royal d’Amboise.
The king became a close friend. He was the one who eventually acquired the Mona Lisa painting which is now on display at The Louvres museum in Paris.
Throughout his life, Leonardo da Vinci has had a drive and concern of producing useful work for the community. This intention reflects in the details and precision of each of his endeavors. His notes were meticulous and precise. One example is what he did with the Vitruvian man as well as his study of the human body anatomy.
The 500th anniversary of his death has generated numerous expos throughout Europe and the USA. The Simi Valley Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition is a must see for all. If you happen to live in the area, don’t miss the incredible opportunity to meet one of the genius of all times. It ends September 8, 2019.