Dood van Leonardo da Vinci 1835 - 1881

Adolphe Mouilleron rendered this image of Leonardo da Vinci's death in print. Note the prominent display of candles and a crucifix, symbols deeply embedded in the ritual of death, representing light in darkness and the hope of salvation. Consider the repetition of the dying figure supported in someone's arms: a motif that echoes across time. Think of the Pietà, where Mary cradles the body of Christ. The gesture transcends its immediate context, speaking to universal themes of loss and mourning. We find versions of it in countless artistic expressions, each carrying the weight of past iterations, resonating with our collective memory. This scene, imbued with the somber atmosphere of death, connects us to the pathos formula – engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The image becomes more than a depiction of Leonardo's passing; it is a ritualistic performance, resonating with primal human emotions. The pathos transmitted through artistic representation makes visible the inner experience of anguish.