Synopses & Reviews
In this classic, engrossing text, a distinguished historian explores the mind and manifold interests of the greatest personality of the Renaissance. More than just a biography, the book presents a detailed investigation of Leonardo's genius. Its colorful, evocative prose offers numerous demonstrations of the master's achievements, not only in sculpture and painting, but also in music, engineering, and even experimental aviation.
A renowned authority on the works and personality of Leonardo, author Edward McCurdy translated many of the artist's writings. "In the thousands of pages of his manuscript he has left the mirror of his thought," McCurdy observes, "and there his mind may be seen at work, moving among the phenomena of nature and the inherited knowledge of antiquity, trying all things, expounding all things, proving all things." McCurdy begins by tracing the artist's travels, from his native Florence to Milan, Venice, Rome, and France. Part Two examines the manuscripts and their philosophical revelations, and the third section assesses the paintings and sculpture. First published in 1928, this book remains one of the best introductions to Leonardo and his extraordinary versatility.
Synopsis
In this classic, engrossing text a distinguished historian explores the mind and manifold interests of the greatest personality of the Renaissance. In colorful, evocative prose Edward McCurdy shows that in music, engineering, and even experimental aviation da Vinci was no more the amateur than in the sculpture and painting for which he is famed. First published in 1928, The Mind of Leonardo da Vinci is still widely considered one of the best introductions to the extraordinary versatility of the great Renaissance genius.
Synopsis
In this classic, engrossing text, a distinguished historian explores the mind and manifold interests of the great personality of the Renaissance. It traces the artist's travels, examines his manuscripts and their philosophical revelations, and assesses his art. This book remains one of the best introductions to Leonardo and his extraordinary versatility. 16 black-and-white illustrations.
Table of Contents
Note
Foreword
List of Illustrations
Part One Florence to 1483
and#160; Milan 1483-1499
and#160; Venice and Florence 1500
and#160; The Romagna
and#160; Tuscany
and#160; Florence 1503-1506
and#160; Milan 1506-1513
and#160; Rome
and#160; France
Part Two The Manuscripts
and#160; Belief
and#160; Travels
and#160; Aviation
Part Three Painting
and#160; Sculpture