The World of Leonardo 1452-1519

Nicely preserved in a custom slipcase, this book exemplifies the quality associated with the Time-Life World series, which shines for three main reasons. Firstly, the books employ a dynamic structure that alternates between comprehensive text-heavy chapters and visually engaging sections with images and captions. This approach keeps the content diverse and engaging. Robert Wallace highlights Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic nature, noting that for most of his life and even centuries after, he has remained a puzzle. Leonardo rarely alluded to his personal life or current events in his writings. Though not a recluse, he lived primarily in his thoughts, endlessly conceiving inventions and documenting them in his numerous notebooks. Wallace emphasizes that Leonardo’s artistry was deeply rooted in scientific observation. His fascination with movement—whether in wind, water, or the human form—allowed him to capture motion with striking accuracy in his artwork. He was among the few who mastered the sfumato technique, which involved painting the subtle, almost ethereal quality of water vapor in the air. This book serves as an excellent introduction to Leonardo da Vinci’s fusion of art and science.