The Forerunner: Leonardo da Vinci

The second part of Dmitry Merezhkovsky’s trilogy "Christ and Antichrist" continues exploring his philosophical and historical views, as well as his reflections on the future of humankind. In the novel "The Risen Gods. Leonardo da Vinci," published in 1901, the confrontation between spiritual and sensual religions is presented as a driving force of history. The action takes place in 1494 in Florence, where an ancient statue of Venus is discovered. For her evaluation, they invite the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci. Young Giovanni Belltraffio, impressed by the master’s talent, becomes his student and companion on numerous journeys. Leonardo is busy developing a flying machine, creating the painting "The Last Supper," and clashing with competitors Michelangelo and Raphael. Giovanni is forced to take part in various conflicts connected with envy, the contradiction between religiosity and rationality, and between Christian and pagan traditions.