Leonardo da Vinci Retrospective at Louvre Draws Record Crowds and Controversy
The Leonardo da Vinci exhibition at the Louvre, marking 500 years since his passing, has garnered 260,000 online reservations and anticipates 500,000 attendees by February 24, 2020. Curated by Vincent Delieuvin and Louis Frank, the showcase includes 162 pieces, such as 11 paintings and 22 drawings, with contributions from the British Museum and Bill Gates' collection. Centered on themes of light, shadow, and relief, it opens with Verrocchio's "Christ and Saint Thomas." Scientific analyses of three paintings from the Louvre provide insights into Leonardo's methods. Diplomatic disputes with Italy have emerged regarding the title "Léonard de Vinci." Noteworthy exclusions are the Mona Lisa and Salvator Mundi, while the Vitruvian Man will be exhibited for several weeks.
Key facts
- The exhibition runs until February 24, 2020 at the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
- Curated by Vincent Delieuvin and Louis Frank after ten years of preparation.
- Features 162 works including 11 paintings, 22 drawings, and loans from the British Museum, Royal Collection, and Bill Gates.
- Infrared reflectographs reveal Leonardo's frequent compositional changes.
- The Mona Lisa remains in the Salle des États; a VR experience by HTC Vive Arts is offered.
- The Salvator Mundi is absent; a workshop version (Ganay) is shown instead.
- The Vitruvian Man is on display for only a few weeks due to conservation concerns.
- Diplomatic tensions with Italy over the French title and lack of Italian panels.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Andrea del Verrocchio
- Pollaiuolo
- Lorenzo di Credi
- Baldovinetti
- Hans Memling
- Antonello da Messina
- d'Oggiono
- Boltraffio
- Arianna Piccolo
Institutions
- Musée du Louvre
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- British Museum
- Royal Collection
- Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia
- HTC Vive Arts
- Artribune
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Italy
- Venice
- Monaco
- Amboise