Dec 29, 2010
A sketch of an execution by Leonardo da Vinci
On this day, in 1479 Leonardo da Vinci recorded the death by hanging of Bernardo Baroncelli.
The image is reversed so that da Vinci’s mirror writing reads from left to right. His note details the man’s attire:
A tan colored skull-cap, a doublet of black serge, a black jerkin, lined and the collar covered with a black and red stippled velvet. A blue coat lined with fur of fox’s breasts. Black hose. Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli.
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Is it ok that this makes me sad?
It’s a little disturbing that da Vinci was more interested in what the man wore than what he did!
Sounds like a snazzy outfit, though.
My guess is he didn’t mention the “why” of the execution because it was common knowledge.
It was an expensive outfit, which is why Leonardo noted it.
Also, is it possible that he was taking notes for if he painted it later?
Like as not.
(Botticelli was given the job of painting the Pazzi conspirators on the outside walls of the Bargello, after all!)
Did you know that in the middle ages, they used to hang animals too as part of the judicial process?
Just like TV. What he wore, not why he was executed.