Fotoreproductie van het schilderij La mort de Léonard Da Vinci door Louis Gallait before 1883

This is a photographic reproduction of Louis Gallait's painting *The Death of Leonardo Da Vinci*, found within the pages of a book held at the Rijksmuseum. Gallait, a 19th-century Belgian artist, chose as his subject the popular myth of Da Vinci dying in the arms of Francis I, King of France. The painting, and this reproduction, reflect a romanticized view of history, one that underscores the relationship between the artist and the patron, so essential to artistic success. But what does it mean to stage the death of a great artist as a moment of intimate connection with a powerful ruler? The image certainly speaks to the cultural value placed on artists like Da Vinci, even centuries after their death. It also raises questions about power, artistic legacy, and the stories we choose to tell about the past. As you consider the scene depicted here, think about how history is constructed and whose stories get told.