Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo

Though Leonardo is famous as an artist, science and invention seem to provide a far greater fascination than any painting or sculpture. Whereas art has the power to represent, Leonardo’s inventions allow him to make real change in the world. Foremost among these are his various flying machines. Leonardo’s flying machines are not only examples of how he thinks about the world differently than everyone else, but these machines also metaphorically reflect his unspoken desire to elevate himself. As the illegitimate son of a prominent notary, Leonardo felt discarded by society throughout his life. He may have developed the talent to depict beauty in his art, but he’s cynical toward the society that marginalized and discriminated against him due to the circumstances of his birth.

Fundamentally, the reality of the world lets Leonardo down. Humans have been unable to make a beautiful society, so his flying machines represent the chance to literally and figuratively elevate himself to a different plane. He hopes to rise above the filth of society, achieving the unthinkable by taking to the skies, differentiating himself from a society that treated him with such contempt in his youth (and, now that he’s useful, cynically reveres him). Leonardo’s various flying machines symbolize his desire to leave his world behind and rise above the negative emotions that shaped his youth.