Leonardo da Vinci Paintings in Paris — Where to See Them

Leonardo da Vinci’s direct historical connection to Paris is primarily institutional and posthumous rather than as a long-term Paris resident. In 1516 he accepted Francis I’s invitation and moved to France, living at the manor of Clos Lucé (Cloux) near the royal Château d’Amboise from 1516 until his death on May 2, 1519; he served as “Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect” to the king. ¹² Several major works associated with Leonardo—most famously the Mona Lisa—entered French royal collections in the 16th century and later became part of the Louvre Museum’s holdings after the French Revolution. The Mona Lisa hung briefly in Napoleon’s bedroom (early 19th century) before entering permanent display at the Louvre (Salon Carré/Salle des États) where it was famously stolen on August 21, 1911 and recovered in December 1913. ³⁴ Key Paris-linked moments: Leonardo’s royal appointment by Francis I (1516), the placement of his paintings into French royal collections during the 1500s, the Mona Lisa’s installation in the Louvre (early 1800s), and the 1911–1913 theft and return, events that deeply shaped his public reputation in Paris and worldwide. ¹³⁴