The life of Leonardo da Vinci by John William Brown
Art in the Italy of Leo the Tenth
This unwise security on their part enabled the French to make an unexpected descent on Villa Franca near the source of the Po, where they surprised Prospero Collona and took him prisoner with his followers, who had not the least suspicion of their being in his neighbourhood. Some authors say that he intended to have joined his allies, the Swiss, on that day but so well conducted was the surprise, that he was taken at dinner before he knew the enemy were in the house. This fortunate commencement of his affairs in Italy elated the young King as much as it depressed his enemies, and caused a considerable alteration in the Pope's councils, who had hitherto depended on the Swiss for defending the passage of the mountains. The continued successes of the French induced Leo to incline towards an accommodation with Francis, who was already in possession of Pavia and the decisive victory of Marignano speedily determined him to conclude an immediate confederation with France, whose armies had recovered the city of Milan, and were proceeding with rapid strides to reconquer the whole of Lombardy.
These political events no sooner became public than Leonardo da Vinci resolved to profit by the successes of his former patrons, the French, in whose service he still considered himself. He therefore set out for Pavia, where he knew he should meet the King of France, from whom he had everything to hope, as this young monarch was as celebrated for his generosity as for his bravery, and was, besides, well acquainted with his talents, from having several of his works in his possession. He was received by Francis with every mark of friendship he could wish, and the King, who had been long desirous of attaching Leonardo to his own person and court, gave him so many substantial proofs of his esteem, that he had reason to think himself secure of a provision for the remainder of his life. He soon became a great favourite with his Majesty, who delighted in his society and conversation.
Da Vinci's spirits began to revive at again finding himself in a situation where all his excellent qualities were duly appreciated. He felt himself of the same consequence he had formerly been and prodding over the revels and entertainments of a magnificent court, he exerted his utmost taste and skill to please his chivalrous patron and his nobles.
It is supposed that the Lion, spoken of by Lomazzo, was contrived by Leonardo on this occasion to increase the pomp of some of the fetes given in honour of the King's successes. This piece of mechanism was so admirably contrived, that the lion walked of itself up to the King's throne, and threw open its body, which was filled with “fleurs de lis", in compliment to his Majesty. This pageant is frequently mentioned by the writers of that period, when it was, no doubt, considered as a most wonderful invention.
The Court of the French King at Pavia was composed of all the most celebrated persons in Europe. Francis was one of the most elegant and accomplished princes of Christendom, and he was surrounded by a chivalrous nobility, all anxious to distinguish themselves by some feet of arms. But in the midst of his warlike preparations the young monarch found time to cultivate and protect the arts of peace. He most courteously received all who were distinguished by their acquirements in literature and the arts, and sought by every means to attach them to his person. He wished France to become what Italy then was, and lost no opportunity of purchasing every work of art, that he might forward the civilization of his own country, and increase the refinements of his court.
At the same time he received into his service all those discontented persons who sought his protection, and concluded alliances with the petty States of Italy, who were too happy to avail themselves of the power of France against the continual aggressions of their stronger neighbours. Them has always existed so greet a feeling of envy and dislike between the different Italian States, that it would be quite Impossible to establish a universal monarchy in Italy, or even any thing like union between her princes. And as long as this feeling prevails, which it does even to the present day, Italy can never be free; as she must be under the dominion of one or other of the greater powers of Europe.
