Leonardo da Vicni on his deathbed. 18th-century artwork showing Italian artist, architect and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) on his deathbed with the King of France, Francis I (1494-1547). Leonardo entered the king's service in 1516, residing at the Chateau of Clos Luce, Amboise, France. He died there on 2 May 1519, having become a close friend of the king. Though the scene was depicted by a number of French artists, it may be only legend. Artwork by engraver Jean-Charles Le Vasseur (1734-1816) after a painting by artist Francois-Guillaume Menageot (1744-1816): 'Death of Leonardo da Vinci in the Arms of Francis I' (1781).