On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci , the Civic Museums pay homage to the Florentine genius with an exhibition of Leonardo-themed prints which are part of their rich collection of engravings.

"It was a surprising discovery for me too; - says the Councilor for Culture Massimiliano Longo - the beautiful engravings with a Leonardesque theme exhibited in this small, original and refined exhibition, highlight once more the great value inherent in the rich heritage art preserved in the Civic Museums. "

Between the Neoclassical Age and Romanticism , the myth of Leonardo, an absolute talent and excellent painter, is retraced and celebrated by the engravers of the time through the revival of works derived directly from the models of unattainable quality created by Leonardo or from the reworkings of the circle of students.

For the engravers, the works of Leonardo da Vinci, rich in chiaroscuro and the play of shadows typical of Leonardo's creations, are an indispensable terrain of challenge. In the nineteenth century the great diffusion of these prints will significantly contribute to the consolidation of the myth on the one hand, and on the other to the knowledge and reconsideration of Lombard artists who remained for a long time in the shadow of the Tuscan master.

In addition to a good number of prints derived from the works of Leonardo and his followers, some engravings dedicated to celebrating his myth through the revival of episodes from his life will be exhibited, an emblematic character of the "Italianness" on which he was building national identity.

Through the use of multi -media, the exhibition itinerary will offer insights into the theme of engraving, the techniques and the subjects involved in the creation of an art print.

The exhibition will be accompanied by many initiatives aimed not only at schools.