French period 1516 - 1519

On 17th March, Giuliano de’ Medici dies. Leonardo writes “The Medici made me and destroyed me.” Leonardo is left without a patron.

The sixty-four year old Leonardo goes to France. He is invited as paintre du Roy by King Francis I. He is accompanied by his friend Francesco Melzi and servant Salaì.

The pension from the king for the “master Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter”, amounts to 2,000 ecus soleil for two years. “Francesco Melzi, Italian nobleman”, receives 800 ecus for two years, and Salaì, “servant of master Leonardo da Vinci”, 100 ecus.

Ferdinand II dies and is succeed by Charles I, future Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

Death of Giuliano da Sangallo in Rome, architect and longtime friend of Leonardo.