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In 1515 Francis I of France retook Milan, and Leonardo was commissioned to make a centerpiece, a mechanical lion, for the peace talks between the French king and Pope Leo X in Bologna, where he had first met the King. In 1516, he entered Francis' service, being given the use of the manor house Clos Luc�, also called "Cloux", next to the king's residence at the royal Chateau Amboise. The King granted Leonardo and his entourage generous pensions. The surviving document lists 1000 �cus for the artist, 400 for Melzi , named "apprentice", and 100 for Salai , named "servant". In 1518 Salai left Leonardo and returned to Milan, where he eventually died in a duel. Francis became a close friend. Leonardo da Vinci died at Clos Luc�, France, on May 2, 1519. According to his wish, 60 beggars followed his casket. He was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the castle of Amboise. Melzi was his principle heir and executor, but Salai was not forgotten. He received half of Leonardo's vineyard. |
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