Château du Clos Lucé Exhibition Showcases Leonardo da Vinci’s Interest in Perfume

There is an innovative exhibition at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, France, which is helping to bring an area of Leonardo da Vinci's life to light that is all too often unknown: his deep interest in perfumes. The exhibit titled "Leonardo da Vinci and Perfumes of Renaissance" shows da Vinci's research and fragrance experiments.

According to Art Net, it will display Leonardo da Vinci's broad fragrance interests, such as his careful notes on distilling and designing perfumery products. One highlighted item is a modern construction of a burning device sketched by Leonardo and crafted from omelet de cipher. 

 "Leonardo's fascination with the science of smell was as profound as his curiosity about the arts and sciences," said Carlo Vecce, a professor of Italian literature and one of the exhibition's lead curators. "His notes on perfumes reflect his desire to understand and manipulate the sensory world around him.

Now, Leonardo's interest in perfumes is part of a much larger investigation project into sensory experiences. His study on scents was influenced by his observations on how smell works, like sight and hearing.

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An Exhibition for Leonardo da Vinci's Fragrances

Per Finestre Sull'arte, the exhibition is a nod not just to Leonardo's scientific investigations but also to Renaissance perfumery. Among the specks of interest are recipe books of the period that highlight the art of making fragrances in the 15th century and even the historical uses of perfumes to mask smells and prevent diseases. Objects from the era, including ornate censer burners that diffuse fragrances, are also on view.

The Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo spent his final years, provides the perfect setting for this multi-sensory exhibition. It not only offers insights into Leonardo's lesser-known pursuits but also invites visitors to engage with the rich olfactory culture of the Renaissance. 

The show remains open through the fall, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, science, and scent in Leonardo da Vinci's world.

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