Leonardo's Flights of the Mind

I chose to begin my reading at the beginning to gain a better understand of Leonardo’s family and early childhood years.  I read pages 17-47. Initially, I was confused by the name ‘Da Vinci.’ This is their family name but they are also of Vinci, Italy. Is Piero specifically affiliated by name with the town of Vinci? Why do they carry a last name that translates to “of Vinci” (Da Vinci) and no one else in the town does?

Leonardo is an illegitimate child, but I was surprised that Piero left nothing in his will for Leonardo. “It may be well true that Piero was an absent, busy and not very caring father. It is certainly true that he left nothing to Leonardo in his will” (pg 25). Leonardo received the entire estate of his Uncle. I am sure though Piero had a love affair and attraction with Caterina rather than nonconsensual sex. Leonardo had written “The man who has intercourse aggressively and uneasily will produce children who are irritable and untrustworthy: but if the intercourse is done with great love and desire on both sides, then the child will be of great intellect, and witty, lively and lovable. The idea is traditional” (pg 27). It still seems strange Piero would leave nothing for Leonardo after his connection with Caterina.

The chapters following dive deep in the issue of the Kite. I was wondering why such elaboration on the memory of the kite bird entering Leonardo’s mouth as a baby (starting on page 30). It was revealed later as a symbol of his destiny. The kite fueled his interest in human flight and anatomy. The bird in a sense becomes cross-referenced into his later paintings and works.

Another interest I found was on pages 41-42. Leonardo became involved in wickerwork and he designed his own logo. The fascination of weaving designs was implemented in the dress of Mona Lisa and Lady with an Ermine. Also the braids of hair incorporate these design elements.