Florence 1505: Leonardo Battles Michelangelo

In Firenze's renaissance Italy two mighty artists were forced together for two months in the Palazzo Vecchio. Tensions were high as all eyes, even the Pope's, were on the two giants.

Leonardo da Vinci, 52, was comissioned to paint the Battle of Anghiari and Michelangelo , 30, to do a fresco of the Battle of Casina. For their part, as they were together for the first time in their lives and as they were competitors for artistic comissions, they were both very guarded.

Add to this Leonardo's 25 year old adopted son, Salai, who was a rascal and thief and had a secret relationship with Michelangelo, then we have the ingredients for a colorful and dramatic two act play filled with intrigue and strong emotion.

(Cover picture is part of a sketch of the Battle of Anghieri by Leonardo da Vinci.)