Beschrijving

This book delves into the multifaceted genius of Leonardo da Vinci, going beyond his most famous paintings to explore his roles as inventor, writer, musician, weapon-designer, engineer and architect. It brings together contributions from ten leading scholars who analyse diverse aspects of his work—such as his designs for clocks and machines, his treatises on painting and water mechanics, his musical ideas, and his ambitious equestrian statue project.

The heart of the book is richly illustrated: over 800 illustrations (including 85 in full colour) display drawings, codices, manuscripts and inventions, enabling readers to see Leonardo’s ideas as visual and technical expressions of his thinking and creativity. The layout links each aspect of his work to the wider cultural-political context of Renaissance Italy, situating him as both an artist and a scientist.

With its extensive scope and vivid presentation, the book is well-suited for art historians, scientists and general readers intrigued by the breadth of Leonardo’s mind. It invites a deeper appreciation of how one individual bridged the worlds of art, engineering and science, challenging conventional discipline boundaries and inspiring interdisciplinary thinking.