President Macron comes to Amboise
The law abiding folk of Amboise were allowed to look through their windows but ordered not to lean out. Hundreds of gendarmes, those we met and spoke to seemed almost apologetic, made quite sure no-one could enter the exclusion zone. People who live in the restricted area had to show ID and proof of address before they could even pop out for a baguette. No walkabout, no photographs allowed for the family album. Quel dommage. There was no atmosphere in this usually so lively, buzzy, happy go lucky town. So sad. Such a disappointment. Leonardo died on May 2 but was not buried until August. His funeral was not in St. Hubert’s but in the original Saint Florentin inside the walls of the Château. In 1863, during an archaeological dig, a skeleton and fragments of a tomb with carved letters – EO -AR – DUS –VINC- was discovered. A bust of Leonardo now marks the spot. Leonardo’s remains were re-interred in St. Hubert’s.
Not being able to enter the town as we live a few steps outside the exclusion zone, we were unable to take a photo of this momentous day. So here is a photo of Maisie for you, the Photograph France Cat.
Visit St Hubert’s Chapel, Royal Chateau of Amboise and Château Clos Lucé on a Photograph France photography tour or workshop.
Post by Pamela Shields (BA History of Art)
Leonardo da Vinci: The Amboise Connection
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