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A WEEKEND WITH LEONARDO DA VINCI by Rosabianca Skira-Venturi

A WEEKEND WITH LEONARDO DA VINCI

by Rosabianca Skira-Venturi & translated by Keay Ann Beneduce

Pub Date: April 1st, 1993
ISBN: 0-8478-1440-8
Publisher: Rizzoli

A handsome art series continues with this entry and with Florian Rodari's new book on Vel†zquez. The conversational monologue attributed to the artist is especially appropriate for Leonardo, who narrates from the perspective of his last years in France. The diversity of his activities, the fiascos that left major works unfinished or perilously fragile, and his constant experimentation make rich sources for the lively explanations (and defenses) he offers in an informal disquisition on his life and accomplishments. The author knows her subject thoroughly, and she adeptly chooses details and quotes from Leonardo's notebooks to illuminate his character and art; she's ably abetted by an excellent translation and by beautiful, creatively deployed reproductions. A fine introduction. Chronology; full notes on the art; list of major museums where it can be seen. (Nonfiction. 10+)