The Perfumes of Leonardo da Vinci: A Multisensory Exhibition at Clos Lucé

Mise à jour 10 juin 2024 par Redak

This summer, the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise offers a fascinating dive into the olfactory world of Leonardo DeVinci. Known for his genius in various fields, the Italian artist and scholar also left his mark in the world of perfumes. The multisensory exhibition, which takes place in his final resting place, promises a one-of-a-kind experience, unlocking the secrets of perfume during the Renaissance through the intertwined journeys of Vinci and his mother, Caterina.

A Sensory Journey Through Time

François Saint Bris, president of Clos Lucé, explains the intention behind this exhibition: “We want to introduce the world of perfumes during the Renaissance through two closely linked destinies: that of Leonardo da Vinci and that of his mother Caterina, a slave originating from the Orient, by reconstructing their adventurous trajectory.”

The Itineraries of Leonardo da Vinci and Caterina

The exhibition guides visitors from the Caucasus Mountains to Constantinople, passing through Vinci’s native Tuscany and Venice, finally arriving at the court of the Valois in the Loire Valley. This journey retraces the olfactory discoveries and experiences of Leonardo da Vinci, marking a first in the field of historical exhibitions.

The Sensory Universe of Leonardo da Vinci

Carlo Vecce, professor of Italian literature and curator of the exhibition, describes this adventure: “It’s unprecedented! For Leonardo da Vinci, the eye is the window to the soul, painting is the noblest art. Here, we enter into the depths of our memory and our sensory universe.”

Leonardo’s Contributions to the Art of Perfume

Leonardo da Vinci revolutionized the field of perfumes by designing stills and improving the distillation techniques of his time. The exhibition highlights these advances through a multisensory approach: visual, sound and olfactory.

Collaboration with the Noses of Givaudan

Pascal Brioist, professor at the Renaissance Center for Advanced Studies, highlights the collaboration with Givaudan noses, including Calice Becker, creator of the famous “J’adore” perfume by Dior. These experts interpreted 28 fragrances, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the olfactory world of the Renaissance.

A Complete and Interactive Immersion

The exhibition features a working still and a Cyprus birdie, recreated from Leonardo’s drawings. Two original drawings by the master, on loan from the Ambrosian Library in Milan, illustrate his work on the still and the asphodel.

Olfactory Discoveries and Historical Objects

Visitors can smell specific fragrances through an olfactory device, recreating compositions described by Leonardo. Additionally, a variety of objects reveal the different uses of perfumes in the 15th and 16th centuries, such as medicinal, religious and aesthetic.

Works of Art and Historical Costumes

The exhibition brings together more than 60 original works from French and Italian museums, as well as private collections. Among these, paintings by students of Leonardo da Vinci, including “Madeleine seated in prayer before the crucifix” and “Saint Mary Magdalene” by Giampietrino, as well as a portrait by Franciabigio.

Collaboration with Soline and Nicolas Baptiste

The historical costumes, created by Soline and Nicolas Baptiste, collaborators on the “Game of Thrones” series, add a spectacular visual dimension to the exhibition. Visitors can touch and smell 16th-century gloves, infused with reconstituted perfumes, providing a rare and immersive interaction.

A Unique Experience at Clos Lucé

In conclusion, the exhibition at Clos Lucé offers a unique and enriching exploration of the world of perfumes during the Renaissance, through the eyes and innovations of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a multisensory experience that reveals the secrets of the olfactory art of this fascinating era.

Cyril CH

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