Leonardo da Vinci’s self-portrait has been reimagined with classic Italian ingredients, in celebration of the famous polymath who died 500 years ago this month. Da Vinci who’s considered as one of the most famous renaissance artists of all time has been celebrated all around the world in various ways and this was a unique take to celebrating the Renaissance man.
The food masterpiece was commissioned by Italian restaurant chain Bella Italia to celebrate Da Vinci’s life and work, and mark the launch of their new menu, available in restaurants since 8th May.
The portrait was inspired by Da Vinci’s passion for both art and invention, particularly in the world of food and kitchen design innovation, including his creation of a ‘the spaghetti-making machine’ and an automated spit that roasted meat.
Food artist Carl Warner was the mastermind behind the striking work of art, which took over 20 hours for Carl and his team to design and create, as each ingredient was painstakingly laid out to perfectly reflect the Renaissance masterpiece.
The edible artwork was crafted from a range of Italian food favourites including six different Italian pastas, three cured and sliced meats, two artisan loaves of bread, mozzarella, and a handful of olives.
The portrait included: hat and coat made of two artisan breads; eyes made of mozzarella and olives, with fusilli, rigatoni, and conchiglione pasta details; Parma ham lips; chicken breast and fettucine pasta face and chicken wing nose; and two types of spaghetti for the beard.
