Leonardo

In 1506 Milan, Leonardo da Vinci is arrested and accused of poisoning Caterina da Cremona. He claims innocence to Stefano Giraldi, a Podestà official, and recounts his past as an apprentice in Andrea del Verrocchio's workshop, where he first encountered Caterina.

As Leonardo's fame rises, a reckless choice threatens to undo his success. A sudden crisis damages his standing as an artist, prompting him to seek new opportunities in Milan and abandon Florence.

Leonardo arrives in Milan with the goal of securing the support of Duke Ludovico Sforza. Frustrated by the demands of court life and assigned to work on a theatrical production instead of a painting, he finds inspiration through a new acquaintance, reimagining the performance as a creative opportunity.

Leonardo is commissioned by Ludovico to create an equestrian statue in honor of his father, sparking a surge of ambition as he seeks to surpass expectations. To aid in the project, he entrusts the task to Salaì, a cunning young thief whom others consider untrustworthy.

After the death of Ludovico's wife, Leonardo is given a new artistic commission but finds it difficult to focus due to his emotional distress; inspired by advice from Fr. Luca Pacioli, he turns to others for help.

Leonardo returns to Florence, where he begins work on the portrait that will later be known as the Mona Lisa. After a failed attempt to reconcile with Caterina, he travels to Imola, where he gains praise and favor from his employer.

Leonardo, having reunited with Caterina, resumes his work but becomes increasingly envious of the rising fame of the young artist Michelangelo. Despite his resentment, he accepts a new commission after some persuasion.

As time runs out, Stefano makes a final push to rescue Leonardo and uncovers the truth behind his long-held secret. Though he now knows the facts, Stefano lacks the proof he needs, leading to an unexpected twist that forces him to seek assistance from an unlikely ally.