An exhibition reflecting Leonardo da Vinci's life and era was presented at an Art Museum event on Tuesday, October 8. The event was organized by the Embassy of Italy and the Embassy of France in Chișinău on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of the painter, sculptor and scientist.

At the event, Italy's ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Valeria Biagiotti, explained that Leonardo da Vinci was born in Italy, while he spent his last years in France. This fact shaped the initiative to organize a joint Italian-French event.

According to the ambassador, Leonardo da Vinci was not a mere painter, he was a unique individual who knew how to apply his talents in order to achieve greatness. The painter is presented as a personality with outstanding scientific qualities that was generous and humane, while also cherishing nature.

In turn, the ambassador of the French Republic to Moldova, Pascal Le Deunff, said that throughout his life, Leonardo da Vinci had two passions: art and science. He was passionate about engineering, biology and medicine.

Additionally, according to the ambassador, DaVinci highlighted the inaccuracies of the past and totally changed the way of living, inspiring others to follow his example. According to the diplomat, the painter was a symbol of friendship, knowledge and freedom.

The event was attended by several accredited ambassadors. The event ended with a reception.

Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence in 1452. He was called the "archetype of the Renaissance man". Most of his works have religious connotations. Additionally, Leonardo made portraits and was an engineer. He is renowned for the quality of light and shadow that gave, especially to the faces and landscapes in the background, a real dimension. His innovation in painting influenced Italian art for more than a century after his death, however, his works have aroused much controversy. Some of his most famous creations are "Mona Lisa" or "Gioconda", made between 1503-1506, and "The Last Supper", made in 1503. He died in 1519 in Amboise, a commune in the Indre-et-Loire district of France.