Leonardo

By Frank Zöllner

Book Overview

Filling notebook after notebook with sketches, inventions, and theories, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) not only stands as one of the most exceptional draftsmen of art history, but also as a mastermind and innovator who anticipated some of the greatest discoveries of human progress, sometimes centuries before their material realization.

From the smallest arteries in the human heart to the far-flung constellations of the universe, Leonardo saw nature and science as being unequivocally connected. His points of inquiry and invention spanned philosophy, anatomy, geology, and mathematics, from the laws of optics, gravitation, heat, and light to the building of a flying machine.

In his painting, Leonardo steered art out of the Middle Ages with works such as The Last Supper and the world-famous La Gioconda or Mona Lisa depicting not only physical appearances, but a compelling psychological intrigue and depth which continues to draw crowds of mesmerized visitors to masterpieces in Paris, Milan, Washington, London, and Rome.

This book brings together some of Leonardo's most outstanding work to introduce a figure of infinite curiosity, feverish imagination, and sublime artistic ability, often described as having "not enough worlds for to conquer, and not enough lives for to live" (Alan Woods).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3836502151
• ISBN13: 9783836502153
• Release Date: July 2015
• Publisher: Taschen
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.4" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

FANTASTIC

EXCELLENT BOOK IN EXCELLENT PRICE! Most of Leonardo's masterpieces in one book... Anatomia, war machines, Art etc...

Best Buy for the Price

A comprehensive presentation, this book offers a full-perspective of daVinci's genius. The conceptual sketches allow insight into his far-sighted vision and untappable thinking process. The finished works demonstrate the highly disciplined deliberation of his messages. A work of art itself with color plates and text, the book is an item that can be enjoyed for everyday display as well as for lifelong reference.

Unbelievable Value

Beautifully bound. A true quality collection of Da Vinci portraits. I purchased this as a gift for a friend and was extremely pleased when I received it--so was the recipient. This is an excellent addition to any library.

A wonderful book...

I'm going to buy shares in Taschen, I think... I was pretty darn happy from the moment I pulled this book out of its slipcase. So many well-reproduced illustrations of Leonardo's paintings and drawings and really interesting text too. It's one of my favourite art books in my collection.

Simple but sophistocated

If you don't know much about art but know what you like, this might be the sort of book for you. Leonardo's life is described in this basic biography, focusing on his famous works of art (finished and unfinished) and on his supporting works as well (sketches, architectural and mechanical ideas). The book is printed on glossy high grade magazine paper with color illustrations on almost every page. It brings the artist and his works to the reader in a presentation that caters to those who enjoy have an appriciation, though not an expertise, for art.