Leonardo and the Borgias

Abstract

This dissertation reassesses the relationships between Leonardo and the Borgias and the role of the family in the departure of the Leonardeschi from Italy to Spain. The correct identification of Pedro Luis Borgia as the patron of the Hernandos distinguishes both the Nativity with donor in the Museo del Prado and the doors of the high altarpiece of Valencia Cathedral as newly recognized instances of Borgia patronage. This allows for a reconsideration of the impact of Leonardo and his workshop on the family’s artistic patronage and a fresh look at the roles of both patron and artist in the diffusion of the Leonardesque. The first two chapters of the dissertation consider the artistic patronage of Pedro Luis Borgia in relation to that of his second cousin of Cesare Borgia, and great uncle, Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI), demonstrating his connections to Leonardo and his role in the arrival of the Hernandos in Valencia. The third chapter clarifies the relationship between the Hernandos, Fernando Yáñez de la Almedina and Fernando Llanos, and argues that Yáñez was the Ferrando Spagnuolo documented assisting Leonardo on the Battle of Anghiari in 1505, thus distinguishing two relatively overlooked Leonardeschi. The final two chapters consider the works of the Hernandos after the deaths of their Borgia patrons, reassessing the reception of the Leonardesque in Valencia and the impact of the Hernandos’ relationships with both Leonardo and the Borgias on their late careers in Murcia and Cuenca. The significance of the dissertation lies in distinguishing Pedro Luis Borgia as a patron of the Leonardeschi, identifying the church at Piratello (Imola) and Valencia Cathedral as far more significant sites for Borgia artistic patronage than was previously understood, and revealing new aspects of Leonardo’s activity and reception on the quincentenary of his death.