Leonardo da Vinci: The Biography, by Walter Isaacson and published by Simon and
Schuster, is a mere 525 pages. I read it (well listened to the audiobook) prior to learning about the Da Vinci exhibition at the Saint Louis
Science Center. Over the holidays, I listened to more than seventeen hours about the life and work of the
original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. I
am an art junky and thoroughly enjoyed that use of time over the holidays.
Naturally, I was compelled to see the exhibit as well. The opening of the 7,000
square-foot special exhibition that follows the Renaissance master on a journey
of innovation, creativity, science, and wonder was developed by Aurea
Exhibitions and produced by Imagine Exhibitions. It is a great way to add to your appreciation of the original Renaissance man.
Da
Vinci’s role as an inventor is displayed as to-scale recreations of da Vinci’s
most renowned paintings, including some controversial works traditionally
attributed to him but not yet authenticated. Visitors can study the artistic
mastery behind such works as Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and St. John the
Baptist through stunning replica reproductions on view. His lifelong devotion to science and his fascination with nature, extensive exploration of anatomy and in-depth
explanations of famous studies on subjects such as the golden ratio and Vitruvian Man are complemented by enlarged examples of the artist’s sketches.
Leonardo
was a vegetarian, flamboyant in dress, erratic in his work habits and astute
when it came to self-promotion. He could not become a notary
(a sort of lawyer of the period) because it was a profession not open to sons born out of
wedlock. His lack of a formal education was not a handicap however, because as he was largely
self-taught. At 14, he was apprenticed to the workshop of Andrea del
Verrocchio, who must have been astonished by his talent. Leonardo collaborated with
the master before producing at least two early masterpieces, The
Annunciation and Ginevra de’ Benci.
Da
Vinci The Exhibition is a hands-on examination of da Vinci’s life,
research, and intellectual mind that went well beyond his art. Featuring more
than 60 fully built, life-size replicas of inventions, more than 20 recreations
of his major paintings and fine art studies and dozens of stunning concept
displays, you learn about the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of
da Vinci. The exhibition is at the Saint Louis Science Center from January 11, 2020 to mid April 2020. (Held over through 9/27 due to Covid -19)
