Legacy
Legacy
“Legacy” explores the rivalry between two artists.
Their life, their work, their beliefs, and their attitude to what they will leave behind.
The IDEA
The drama: Legacy
“Legacy” explores the rivalry between two artists. Their life, their work, their beliefs and their attitude to what they will leave behind.
The rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo was chosen because it is such an interesting period of history and even now we can’t agree who was the best artist and who has the most lasting legacy. But it is equally drawn on other rivalries such as Constable and Turner, Pollock and De Kooning, and more recently between Richard Rogers and Norman Foster. One is interested in new ideas, exploration, and pushing technological boundaries. The other is equally inventive but also a workaholic who wants to win every commission and go down (with some justification) in history as the best. Ever.
The scene starts in Florence in 1505 when Leonardo and Michelangelo were commissioned by the scheming Machiavelli to paint battle scenes on opposing walls of the Palazzo Vecchio. Their differences are apparent - along with their backgrounds and ambitions- explored in conversation between them, their friends and family members. Leonardo as the elder offers Michelangelo advice which he roundly refuses.
The two meet again in Act 2 in Rome 1513 when Michelangelo is finishing the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Leonardo is about to move to France. They have animated conversations and arguments about religion, fame, art and commerce in a rapidly changing world and of course their very different ideas about legacy.
Act 3 is in 3 scenes The first is Leonardo’s deathbed in 1519. Leonardo was living in luxury in France courtesy of his Patron the King of France. The artist reflects on his life, ideas, and the future. Michelangelo’s deathbed in Rome was very different with the artist still frantically working with thousands of gold coins under his bed. The artist reflects on the results of his life’s work, his sacrifices, his faith…. and his legacy.
The last scene completes the circle, set in Florence 1570 back at Palazzo Vecchio where Vasari (who coincidentally wrote biographies of both artists) is commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici to destroy the incomplete battle scenes which they had begun 65 years earlier. The two influential men reflect on the lives and work of Leonardo and Michelangelo.
500 years later the debate about who left the most lasting legacy still rages. And so it will be with our contemporaries.
synopsis
1505 Florence Palazzo Vecchio
Act I Scene I Machiavelli and Soderini
Act I Scene II Leonardo and Salaì
Act I Scene III Michelangelo and father & brother
Act I Scene IV Leonardo & Michelangelo
1513 Rome
Act II Leonardo & Michelangelo (only one scene), Sistine Chapel
1519 France
Act III Scene I Leonardo’s deathbed
1564 Rome
Act III Scene II Michelangelo’s deathbed
Florence 1570?
Act III Scene III Vasari and Cosimo, Palazzo Vecchio
Leonardo
Flamboyant, colourful, quick witted, charming, playful. Wise.
Michelangelo
Ponderous, slow, thoughtful, drab. Spiteful
ABOUT
Performances
The intention is that the work will be performed at ILKON Ilkeston Contemporary Arts in Summer 2026 and then the Edinburgh festival. Ilkon was established in 2023 to promote contemporary arts in the East Midlands.
Writer
The writer is architect Chris Williamson who as President Elect of the Royal Institute of British Architects has met a number of great artists and architects and been increasingly aware of the way they think about their legacy. The play uses an historic setting to emphasis certain aspects which would not be possible if set in present day and uses the characters and events of Renaissance Florence as the backdrop.
Next steps
The script, the set, and the direction are being developed with performing arts students from the East Midlands.
To discuss opportunities or for more information please email Chris Williamson.