The da Vinci Legacy cover art

The da Vinci Legacy

How an Elusive 16th-Century Artist Became a Global Pop Icon

Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

Virtually everyone would agree that Leonardo da Vinci was the most important artist of the High Renaissance. It was Leonardo who singlehandedly created the defining features of Western art: a realism based on subtle shading; depth using atmospheric effects; and dramatic contrasts between light and dark.

But how did Leonardo, a painter of very few works who died in obscurity in France, become the internationally renowned icon he is today, with the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper the most visited artworks in the world, attracting nearly a billion visitors each year, and Salvator Mundi selling as the most expensive artwork of all time, for nearly half a billion dollars?

This extraordinary volume is the first book to unravel these mysteries by diving deep into the art, literature, science, and politics of Europe from the Renaissance through today. It gives illuminating context to both Leonardo and his accomplishments; explores why Leonardo's fame vastly overshadowed that of his contemporaries and disciples; and ultimately reveals why despite finishing very few works, his celebrity has survived, even thrived, through five centuries of history.

©2019 Jean-Pierre Isbouts and Christopher Heath Brown (P)2019 Tantor
Art Art & Literature Artists, Architects & Photographers Europe Italy Renaissance Middle Ages Funny
All stars
Most relevant
I struggled with the narration throughout the book but actually it is a good recap of Leonardos life and work through art history to the sale of Salvator Mundi. Worth a listen if you’re a fan of art history and just want an overview or revision

A decent recap of Leonardos life

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.