At the top of the monument, you'll find a majestic statue of none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself. He stands as a testament to his genius and contributions to the world of art and science.
But that's not all! The base of the monument showcases four full-length figures of Leonardo's pupils: Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, Marco d'Oggiono, Cesare da Sesto, and Gian Giacomo Caprotti (also known as Andrea Salaino). These talented individuals were fortunate enough to learn from the great master himself.
Now, the creation of this monument wasn't without its challenges. Sculptor Pietro Magni began working on it in 1858, but due to political changes and funding issues during Milan's transition from the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sardinia and then to the Kingdom of Italy, the construction faced delays and criticisms.
In fact, after its inauguration, many criticized the choice of its location and considered it a reminder of the Austrian administration. Interestingly, back in 1834, a noble and cultured Milanese citizen had planned to create a bronze monument to Leonardo at their own expense. Permission was even obtained from the Austrian government to place the monument in Brera's courtyard. However, this plan didn't come to fruition.
Instead, the current monument design emerged from competitions held by the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan in 1856, eventually leading to the selection of Pietro Magni's "Think in marble" model. Emperor Franz Joseph himself decided that this proper tribute to Leonardo should be erected in Piazza San Fedele with a marble statue measuring 3.60 meters in height.
Eventually, on December 22, 1858, the commission unanimously chose Magni's design, even though it required a budget larger than initially anticipated. Finally, after overcoming hurdles caused by the Second War of Independence, Magni received support from prominent figures like Urbano Rattazzi and Cavour, allowing him to bring this incredible monument to life.
So, as you admire this monument, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and perseverance that went into preserving Leonardo da Vinci's legacy in Milan.
