"The Florentines": Leonardo on unpublished novel by Franco Zeffirelli

Abstract

This paper aims to announce an unpublished novel by Franco Zeffirelli: “The Florentines”. The story is set in Florence between the end of the 15^th century and the beginning of the 16^th century, during the Republican era. The primary focus is on the most famous artworks created during this time by Michelangelo and Leonardo: Michelangelo sculpted David and projected the unrealised Battle of Cascina; at the same time, Leonardo dedicated himself to the Arno’s deviation project, started the portrait of Mona Lisa, and worked on the lost Battle of Anghiari. Michelangelo and Leonardo are the true protagonists of this novel, but it’s evident that Zeffirelli has a special preference for Leonardo, infusing autobiographical elements into his character. This unpublished work is a crucial document reflecting Zeffirelli's perspective on art creation.