May 02

In 1516, Francis I of France commissioned Leonardo to construct a town and palace complex for the royal court at Romorantin, a seemingly insurmountable feat. The Chateau de Cloux was given to Leonardo by Francis, undoubtedly one of the finest patrons Leonardo ever had (now the Clos Luce). Leonardo was an elderly man at this point, but he was still productive—he drew 16 sketches over the following three years, even if the city project had not been completed—but he was clearly unwell and had most certainly had a stroke. He died at the Chateau on May 2, 1519.
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