1452 - 1519

The earliest known biographical writing about Leonardo da Vinci was published thirty one years after his death.

It is a very large book with biographies of many famous people. It was first published (in Italian) in 1550.

The title of the book is "Lives of the most eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects" written by Giorgio Vasari.

In some translations the word "eminent" is replaced with "excellent".

(The Death of Leonardo da Vinci by Jean Auguste Dominique 1818)

Here is a quote from the book about da Vinci's death. And note that there is an inaccuracy in this account. It states that he died at age 75 but da Vinci actually was 67 when he died.

"Finally, having grown old, he remained ill many months, and, feeling himself near to death, asked to have himself diligently informed of the teaching of the Catholic faith, and of the good way and holy Christian religion; and then, with many moans, he confessed and was penitent; and although he could not raise himself well on his feet, supporting himself on the arms of his friends and servants, he was pleased to take devoutly the most holy Sacrament, out of his bed.

The King, who was wont often and lovingly to visit him, then came into the room; wherefore he, out of reverence, having raised himself to sit upon the bed, giving him an account of his sickness and the circumstances of it, showed withal how much he had offended God and mankind in not having worked at his art as he should have done. Thereupon he was seized by a paroxysm, the messenger of death; for which reason the King having risen and having taken his head, in order to assist him and show him favor, to the end that he might alleviate his pain, his spirit, which was divine, knowing that it could not have any greater honor, expired in the arms of the King, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. "

I took this quote from a ten volume translation of the Giorgio Vasari book. The translator was Gastondu C. De Vere.

I have the chapter about da Vinci right here on my website