Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is probably the clearest archetype of what would later be known as 'Renaissance man'. Exceptional draughtsman, he bequeathed hundreds of sketches on his multiple subjects of interest: from anatomy, to optics, mathematics and engineering, fields in which he came to experiment, not only with the diversion of the riverbed (Arno), but with the invention of new weapons and devices that defied gravity.

But against this profuse inventiveness, Leonardo would barely leave a score of paintings - some unfinished - but enough to place him as one of the greatest painters in history.

With him is born what we know as psychological portrait. In Leonardo's pictures, it is the changing atmospheric conditions that complement and breathe life into the delicate rendering of the forms and the emotional experiences of the subjects.

This book showcases all of the pictorial work produced by Leonardo, including drawings that contributed to the definitive attribution of some of his art works. Also included is Giorgio Vasari s Vite dedicated to Leonardo, reproduced in its entirety.

62 colour images