Thoughts on Art and Science

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is the famous Italian artist, musician, scholar, and inventor. One of the titans of the Italian Renaissance, da Vinci is the creator of the world’s most famous portrait, “Mona Lisa,” and a genius of his time—whose discoveries still spark lively interest, and whose secrets and puzzles have not yet been fully solved. In the book “Reflections on Science and Art,” Leonardo da Vinci brings science and art together into a single whole—into a universal way of understanding the world. This approach makes it possible to see the world and the human being in all their variety on both the sensory and rational levels. An tireless researcher and naturalist, da Vinci left his mark on mechanics and anatomy, chemistry and physics. His work in these fields—along with his artistic legacy—formed the basis of his thinking about art, science, and the structure of the world.

The “Library of the Art Historian” series is an indispensable help for everyone studying art. The texts gathered here highlight the key names of art scholarship, unravel intricate connections, and explain important works and events that continue to influence the course of modern culture. Chronology, methodology for independent analysis, key theses, and a concise retelling of the main ideas—everything is included in this series. Expand your knowledge of art—the library is eagerly waiting for its inquisitive and understanding reader.