Vasari says that the King held Leonardo 's head in his arms as he died . Vasari records that the King held Leonardo 's head in his arms as he died , although this story , beloved by the French and portrayed in romantic paintings by Ingres , MÃ nageot and other French artists , as well as by Angelica Kauffmann , may be legend rather than fact . Vasari also tells us that in his last days , Leonardo sent for a priest to make his confession and to receive the Holy Sacrament .