Living with Leonardo
Living with Leonardo by Martin Kemp, published by National Geographic Books on May 1, 2018, is an illustrated exploration of the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, presented through the lens of a renowned expert in the field. This 288-page memoir combines personal reflections with original research, detailing Kemp’s fifty-year journey with the artist’s legacy and the cultural impact of his genius.
In this book, readers will find a detailed examination of specific works by Leonardo, including insights into notable pieces such as the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Kemp shares his experiences with various figures in the art world, including academics, collectors, and auctioneers, while addressing the complexities of attribution and connoisseurship. The narrative also highlights significant discoveries related to Leonardo, such as La Bella Principessa and Salvator Mundi, and discusses the artist’s influence on contemporary culture, including references in works like The Da Vinci Code. Living with Leonardo offers a multifaceted view of one of history’s most celebrated artists, enriched by illustrations of the discussed artworks.
Official synopsis Publisher
Approaching the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death, the world- renowned da Vinci expert recounts his fifty- year journey with the work of the world’s most famous artist
A personal memoir interwoven with original research, Living with Leonardo takes us deep inside Leonardo da Vinci scholar Martin Kemp’s lifelong passion for the genius who has helped define our culture.
Each chapter considers a specific work as Kemp offers insight into his encounters with academics, collectors, curators, devious dealers, auctioneers, and authors— as well as how he has grappled with legions of “Leonardo loonies,” treaded vested interests in academia and museums, and fended off fusillades of non- Leonardos. Kemp explains his thinking on the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa, retells his part in the identification of the stolen Buccleuch Madonna, and explains his involvement on the two major Leonardo discoveries of the last 100 years: La Bella Principessa and Salvator Mundi. His engaging narrative elucidates the issues surrounding attribution,the scientific analyses that support experts’ interpretations, and the continuing importance of connoisseurship.
Illustrated with the works being discussed, Living with Leonardo explores the artist’s genius from every angle, including technical analysis and the pop culture works he inspired, such as The Da Vinci Code, and his enduring influence 500 years after his death.
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