Here is a complete picture of the techniques and working philosophy of one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the Renaissance. Assembled by a brilliant scholar from Leonardo's own
writings--Notebooks and The Treatise on Painting--as well as his artistic production, the book offers a carefully balanced view of the artistOs intellectual growth. Drawing on
all the relevant writings, and rectifying many errors made by previous scholars, this work differs from earlier studies in its systematic grouping of the passages of Leonardo's writings
concerning painting. In organizing the materials, the editor focuses on problems of interpretation; the result is the direct opposite of a simple anthology, offering instead a reconstruction
of the underlying meaning of Leonardo's words. For each section, noted French art scholar Andr簿聶翻 Chastel has provided an informative introduction and notes, and substantial bibliographic and
reference materials for the book as a whole. More than 125 painstakingly reproduced illustrations are found throughout the text, further enhancing this rich and accessible resourceÑsure to be
welcomed by scholars, lay readers, and any admirer of the incomparable Leonardo. Unabridged republication of The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci, originally published by The Orion Press,
New York, 1961. Notes. Printed Editions of Leonardo's Writings. Table of Manuscripts. Table of Paintings. Chronological Table. List of Illustrations. References to Entries. Over 125
black-and-white illustrations.
