Leonardo The Genius in Milan

A facinating film herte's my review for Sydney Arts Guide http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/leonardo-the-genius-in-milan/ Regarded as a giant of the late Renaissance, a quintessential Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci was an anatomist, scientist and astronomer, an engineer, a painter, sculptor, botanist, architect, and much more besides: he surpassed the spirit of his time, and is recognized as a polymath of Genius . At the end of the Fifteenth Century Leonardo da Vinci lived for eighteen years in Milan at the court of Ludovico Sforza, known as ‘Il Moro’. It was a long, important period in his life, one that left a lasting impression on the city. In the Spring of 2015 the city of Milan paid tribute to Leonardo by holding a large exhibition at the Palazzo Reale. One of the most significant initiatives during the Universal Expo was the “Leonardo da Vinci 1452-1519 ” exhibition. Sponsored by the City of Milan and created and produced by Skira Publishing, the exhibition presented many masterpieces by Leonardo to the public and this film documents the exhibition which was the result of six years of work by leading Da Vinci experts, Pietro Marani and M. Teresa Fiorio. The film is in Italian with English subtitles. Inside the exhibition, under the coolly ambivalent gaze of the exquisite ‘Belle Ferronnière’’ (one of the paintings loaned by the Louvre for the event) we are welcomed by the curator, Pietro Marani. Marani, standing right in front of these very works of art, considers such themes as the reasons why Leonardo traveled north , discusses Leonardo’s portraits and drawing methods, and the works of art that have stayed in Milan and those that have returned to the famous city. As well as Marani, other highly renowned international experts comment on various different aspects of Leonardo’s work and life. As well, the exhibition displays the work of some of some of Leonardo’s contemporaries such as Verrocchio, Ghirlandaio, Bronzino and Botticelli. We see some of the pages of Leonardo’s notebooks with his incredibly detailed vibrant drawings. His mind worked on everything from military requirements to anatomy (eg ‘’Vitruvian man’’) and astronomy. He designed everything from flying machines to armoured tanks. His mirror writing is mentioned too. The film concentrates on his paintings during the Milan period of his life including “La Belle Ferronnière” but we also see the Mona Lisa ( La Giaconda , which is extensively analysed, and The Last Supper. With regards to the delicate fresco of The Last Supper its composition and powerful narrative is discussed as well as the tragic deterioration and (sometimes bungled ) restoration attempts that have taken place through the centuries. The problems of painting in fresco technique and how the painting has been damaged by humidity are explored too. The Virgin on the Rocks is another very famous work extensively analysed. Actors are used to recreate various people related to Leonardo’s life. They include the Duke, Ludovico Sforza , Isabella D’Este , Bramante and also Leonardo’s pupil and assistant Salai. There are also voice overs of some of Leonardo’s letters.The effect that the French invasion of Italy had and the Duke’s defeat – causing Leonardo to flee Milan – is mentioned too. There are glorious views of Paris and the Louvre at night and then various castles and the exhibition in Milan, as well as extreme close ups of several works where you can see the cracks in the varnish and the amazing brushwork . We are taken through to Leonardo’s death. Also up for discussion are the mysterious circumstances surrounding his will, details about his treasured vineyard, andn the real nature of his relationship with Salai . This fine exhibition and film makes a significant and fascinating contribution to the ongoing interest in Leonardo’s great genius. Running time allow 90 minutes no interval LEONARDO THE GENIUS IN MILAN screens at selected arthouse cinemas from April 23 2016.