243
The Forerunner, 1920 - Detail
Merezhovsky proposes Leonardo ad a progressive character whose rationalism and humanism is opposed by sectarian conservatism. In this scene- which Fortescue- Brickdale has invented Leonardo is shown introducing his latest idea, the flying machine, to Lodovico while other members of his court look on. The famous priest, Savanarola, at far left, stands for the Church's hostility to progress. Lodovico's wife, Beatrice d'Este, and he rival for his affections, Cecilia Galliena, are shown awaiting the outcome of Leonardo's latest challenge to the Duke's tolerance. Brickdale's rendition of these two ladies echoes the famous portraits that Leonardo and his assistant, Ambrogio de Predis, made of them in their lifetimes, further imbuing the work with its hero's spirit.
243
The Forerunner, 1920 - Detail
Merezhovsky proposes Leonardo ad a progressive character whose rationalism and humanism is opposed by sectarian conservatism. In this scene- which Fortescue- Brickdale has invented Leonardo is shown introducing his latest idea, the flying machine, to Lodovico while other members of his court look on. The famous priest, Savanarola, at far left, stands for the Church's hostility to progress. Lodovico's wife, Beatrice d'Este, and he rival for his affections, Cecilia Galliena, are shown awaiting the outcome of Leonardo's latest challenge to the Duke's tolerance. Brickdale's rendition of these two ladies echoes the famous portraits that Leonardo and his assistant, Ambrogio de Predis, made of them in their lifetimes, further imbuing the work with its hero's spirit.