Leonardo And Michelangelo Shared Commission

Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo became artistic rivals in early 16th-century Florence. Their competition peaked in 1504, when officials commissioned Leonardo to paint The Battle of Anghiari on the east wall of the Palazzo Vecchio's grand council hall and Michelangelo to paint The Battle of Cascina on the opposite wall. Leonardo began his mural but never completed it, while Michelangelo produced preparatory drawings before leaving Florence for Rome. Although neither finished the commission, the public contest between them cemented their famous rivalry.

Previous Fact Next Fact