Synopses & Reviews
In the nearly 500 years since his death, Leonardo da Vinci has been vested with an almost mythical stature the Universal Man who personified the flowering of human achievement known as the Renaissance. But despite the universality of his reputation the painter of the Mona Lisa has remained as elusive as his sitter's identity.
With the aid of Leonardo's own notebooks, together with accounts by contemporaries, Serge Bramly has produced a comprehensive portrait of the life, work and times of the artist. What emerges is a complex and charismatic human being insecure about his place in society, ambiguous in his sexuality, fond of puns and practical jokes, and, ultimately, agonized in old age by the little time left to him to unlock the mysteries of the world.
Review
"A considerable work of assimilative scholarship and common sense...races along merrily." The Boston Globe
Review
"Bramly makes it possible for us better to understand Leonardo's greatness....This is a very fine book." Daily Telegraph
Review
"Wit, lucidity, and a passion for his subject that never descends to hagiography...crammed with fascinating details...anyone who starts this biography won't be able to put it down." Newsday
Review
"Serge Bramly is informed and illuminating...he communicates the span of a complex life in changeable times with unprecedented clarity." Observer
Synopsis
"A considerable work of assimilative scholarship and common sense...races along merrily."--The Boston Globe A lively biography of the high genius of the renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci
French writer Serge Bramly's classic work of biography portrays Leonard da Vinci as a genius torn by inner conflicts. Using contemporary sources including Leonardo's notebooks and annotated erotic drawings, he presents a complete portrait of the man as well as his genius.
Synopsis
"A considerable work of assimilative scholarship and common sense...races along merrily."and#151;The Boston Globe.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [455]-465) and index.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Chronology
Introduction
I. A Cirlce of Mirrors
II. Lovable as a Love Child
III. Artium Mater
IV. Fear and Desire
V. Dispero
VI. Pen and Penknife
VII. Thoughts Turn to Hope
VIII. The Absolute Man
IX. Laurels and Tempests
X. Like a Well-Filled Day
XI. The Traces
Epilogue
Notes
Leonardo's Paintings
Leading Artists of the Quattrocento
Leonardo's Writings
Selected Bibliography
Index