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Leonardo Statue in Piazza della Scala
Milan, Italy

Piazza della Scala is a pedestrian central square of Milan connected to the main square of Milan, Piazza del Duomo, by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II passage. The name of the square dates back to the church of Santa Maria della Scala, dating from 1381, which was once located here.

Today, the square refers to the renowned Teatro alla Scala opera house, which occupies the north-western side of the square. When La Scala was built in 1778, it was facing a street rather than a square. It was only in the late 19th century that the authorities of Milan initiated a thorough renovation of the area, which involved the creation of the square.

The center of the square is marked by the monument of Leonardo da Vinci by sculptor Pietro Magni (1872).
Leonardo da Vinci worked and lived from 1482-1499 and from 1506-1513 in Milan at the Sforza Castle, under the Duke Ludovico il Moro.

His job was to take care of the cultural life and the arts at the court of Milan. During this period, Leonardo da Vinci was busy with inventions, the expansion of the system of Navigli and the construction of locks as well as the study of man. During his time in Milan, he also created the artwork "The Last Supper" and the famous "Lady with Hermlin" (owned by the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow).
Photos taken in February 2016


Two of the four of his greatest "Leonardeschi " (pupils) ... Background:  Palazzo Marino, Milan's city hall



Monument sculptor: Pietro Magni ... Fece: Made








Leonardo, wearing his hydro-engineer hat, re-engined Milan's canal system, complete with locks.




"Guest long  envied in Milan - where he had friends - disciples - glory" ... Four of his pupils are depicted in life-size statues. They include Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, Andrea Salaino, Marco d'Oggiono, and Cesare da Sesto.



  Right: Marco Oggiono ... Between their figures are bas-reliefs showing the various fields of work in which Leonardo excelled - anatomy, hydraulic engineering, painting, and architecture  ... Two other views of Oggiono below:



Marco Oggiono



Marco Oggiono



Left: Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio ... Right: Andrea Salaino ... Another view of Boltraffio below:








Background: La Scala Opera House




Photos and their arrangement © 2016 Chuck LaChiusa
 
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