What do you think?
Rate this book
Time-Life Library of Art
The World of Leonardo: 1452-1519
Exceptional color and black-and-white prints of various works highlight this description of the career and life of Leonardo
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
About the author
Robert Wallace
9 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
See this thread for more information.
See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 13, 2019
The volumes in the Time-Life Library of Art are so well done. This one is no exception. This year marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death. Robert Wallace points out that for most of his life Leonardo was an enigma, and has remained so for five centuries. In his writings he made reference hardly at all to his personal life or contemporary events. While not a recluse, he spent most of his time in his own head, coming up with ideas for inventions then sketching them in his many notebooks. Wallace makes clear that Leonardo's art was based on science. He was fascinated with motion of any kind -- wind, water, human bodies -- and he was able to hyper accurately portray motion in his drawing and painting. Leonardo was also one of the very few who could paint water vapor in air, called "sfumato" technique. This book is a very fine introduction to the art and science of Leonardo da Vinci.
April 14, 2019
I like that Wallace's portrayal of Leonardo is balanced, although he clearly admires Leonardo a lot, he is careful to highlight Leonardo's flaws as well as his strengths. I knew very little about him before reading this, and I liked learning about the character and history of someone who has had such an influence on art.
I didn't come away fully understanding what exactly was so revolutionary about Leonardo's work, and why it ushered in the Renaissance in art (in Wallace's opinion). Just taking the time to look at his work more thoughtfully than I ever had before and reading Wallace's critiques deepened my appreciation for his work, but this was not enough to communicate to me what made him revolutionary. Sure, he clearly has an intimate understanding of the human figure and how to convey it two dimensionally, but I did not get what was so amazing about his backgrounds. Wallace says towards the end that one thing that set Leonardo apart was scale: his figures are "bulkier, weightier, more massive than those of the Early Renaissance." I really liked that Wallace contextualized da Vinci's The Last Supper by discussing and including so many images of previous portrayals of the last supper. I think more side by side comparisons of Leonardo's work with that of his contemporaries/predecessors would have been helpful in distinguishing what made him so special.
Revolutionary status aside, da Vinci was an intriguing person. He kept copious notes and drawings on a wide variety of topics which show his breadth and depth of knowledge and interests. I liked learning about his character and ideas through his own words. One aspect I felt was missing from this biography was more about his daily life. What was his daily routine? Leonardo has an apprentice with him, Salai, for much of his life, but we learn little about their relationship other than that Leonardo spoiled him despite the boy's malevolence. Wallace also says Leonardo was a vegetarian, but then never mentions it again. How common was vegetarianism at this time? Did it ever cause him any difficulty with others? What did he typically eat? This information may simply be unknown, in which case I cannot blame Wallace for not including it.
I didn't come away fully understanding what exactly was so revolutionary about Leonardo's work, and why it ushered in the Renaissance in art (in Wallace's opinion). Just taking the time to look at his work more thoughtfully than I ever had before and reading Wallace's critiques deepened my appreciation for his work, but this was not enough to communicate to me what made him revolutionary. Sure, he clearly has an intimate understanding of the human figure and how to convey it two dimensionally, but I did not get what was so amazing about his backgrounds. Wallace says towards the end that one thing that set Leonardo apart was scale: his figures are "bulkier, weightier, more massive than those of the Early Renaissance." I really liked that Wallace contextualized da Vinci's The Last Supper by discussing and including so many images of previous portrayals of the last supper. I think more side by side comparisons of Leonardo's work with that of his contemporaries/predecessors would have been helpful in distinguishing what made him so special.
Revolutionary status aside, da Vinci was an intriguing person. He kept copious notes and drawings on a wide variety of topics which show his breadth and depth of knowledge and interests. I liked learning about his character and ideas through his own words. One aspect I felt was missing from this biography was more about his daily life. What was his daily routine? Leonardo has an apprentice with him, Salai, for much of his life, but we learn little about their relationship other than that Leonardo spoiled him despite the boy's malevolence. Wallace also says Leonardo was a vegetarian, but then never mentions it again. How common was vegetarianism at this time? Did it ever cause him any difficulty with others? What did he typically eat? This information may simply be unknown, in which case I cannot blame Wallace for not including it.
July 30, 2008
This isn't the best book about leonardo, maybe, but it's a start. I was so fascinated to learn about his life and I love his drawings, the sketches, more than the finished paintings. Even though they were not manufactured until hundreds of years later, he drew bike chains almost exactly as they look today!
April 18, 2020
Amazing book!
A well written description of a man whose work has been the subject of praise, criticism and also ridicule.
A biographical account of a historical figure of the Renaissance Age. Leonardo da Vinci, although not feeling accomplished or fulfilled at the time of his death, had carved his place in history through his ingenuity, creativity and mastery of painting.
A painter, engineer, philosopher and by some accounts sculptor, da Vinci was sought after by the most powerful figures of his time.
The book brings you back to 15th century Italy and surrounding areas... Where an artist could rub shoulders with royalty. Where artists could be commissioned to paint, sculpt or design buildings and or monuments for Popes and Kings.
The book also provides amazing photos/illustrations of Leonardo da Vinci’s works and the work of other artists.
One of the best biographies I’ve read to date.
A well written description of a man whose work has been the subject of praise, criticism and also ridicule.
A biographical account of a historical figure of the Renaissance Age. Leonardo da Vinci, although not feeling accomplished or fulfilled at the time of his death, had carved his place in history through his ingenuity, creativity and mastery of painting.
A painter, engineer, philosopher and by some accounts sculptor, da Vinci was sought after by the most powerful figures of his time.
The book brings you back to 15th century Italy and surrounding areas... Where an artist could rub shoulders with royalty. Where artists could be commissioned to paint, sculpt or design buildings and or monuments for Popes and Kings.
The book also provides amazing photos/illustrations of Leonardo da Vinci’s works and the work of other artists.
One of the best biographies I’ve read to date.
December 16, 2021
Leonardo was an amazing man but it seemed he couldn't finish his work. His mind was going non-stop, creating, inventing, drawing, he could not stop and had so much in his brain he couldn't get anything completed. The works he did complete are amazing and also sad to think that so many of the things he did were added onto by others so it is hard to tell sometimes what is his and not his.
He knew so much about botany, art, science, biology and invented so many ideas that now are used today such as ideas for an automobile, a mechanical spit for turning meat, a bicycle chain, a lathe, die-stamping, canals and locks, jacks for buildings, pistons in a cylinder, and so much more.
All this in the 1400's.
He knew so much about botany, art, science, biology and invented so many ideas that now are used today such as ideas for an automobile, a mechanical spit for turning meat, a bicycle chain, a lathe, die-stamping, canals and locks, jacks for buildings, pistons in a cylinder, and so much more.
All this in the 1400's.
March 6, 2023
The World of Leonardo: 1452-1519 goes through the life of Leonardo Da Vinci. Wallace gave the readers information on Da Vinci's childhood life and some of the things that sparked his artistic mind. The book gave great detail on all of the inventions and artwork he designed throughout his life. There were several pictures to help the readers understand what some of his designs looked like as well. Wallace did a great job at giving detailed information. There is much information to learn from this book. I don't see myself reading this book, but it is a great resource for information on Da Vinci. One common motif in this book was emphasizing how creative Da Vinci was from being an artist, engineer, inventor, etc.
August 20, 2017
This is the second book re Leonardo that I have recently read. It is not quite as good as the first, mainly because it has a different approach, but interesting as well. All of these Time-Life books are worth reading as they are well illustrated. The most valuable part is that they place the subject historically so that the events of the time can be related.
September 4, 2021
Never tedious nor sensational, Wallace does a fine job of presenting biographical fact, reasonable speculation, and historical background. I feel I know Leonardo and appreciate his work much better than before I began this book.
September 14, 2017
Well researched book in this series about the life, times and works of Leonardo. Great pictures too!
Read
April 21, 2022How do you open this book?
April 23, 2023
An enjoyable series
January 6, 2024
3648784
January 6, 2024
3648784
November 10, 2016
Had to study this book and so checked it out twice; it had no dust cover. Time-Life has done a superb job, and so has Mr. Wallace.
The plates / reproductions are very good, tho some of the paintings have been carefully cleaned since this book was written. I have seen the Mona Lisa myself -- such a little, precious thing! She wasn't behind plates of Plexiglas then, and was in a smallish room absolutely filled with large paintings by contemporaries of Leonardo. I also have a copy of Saint John that I simply printed off the Internet and framed; he does not look feminine to me, and the cross he's pointing upward to, is clearly visible.* This book has tons of drawings and sketches of Leonardo's "machines", and Mr. Wallace gives his careful opinions on which ideas might have worked and which would not have and why.
I came away with a very good idea of the life, times and contemporaries of Leonardo of Vinci, Italy, and what it must have been like to have been a genius then. The fact that he had SO much energy, and moved from project to project, not bothering to complete projects was something I did not realize, nor did I realize how few paintings he actually completed. An awesome book.
* It's on my bedroom wall, with a framed Buddha from a friend, Peggy G., an original drawing of Father(!) Damian that I brought from Hawai'i, and an angel statue from my childhood that glows in the dark.
The plates / reproductions are very good, tho some of the paintings have been carefully cleaned since this book was written. I have seen the Mona Lisa myself -- such a little, precious thing! She wasn't behind plates of Plexiglas then, and was in a smallish room absolutely filled with large paintings by contemporaries of Leonardo. I also have a copy of Saint John that I simply printed off the Internet and framed; he does not look feminine to me, and the cross he's pointing upward to, is clearly visible.* This book has tons of drawings and sketches of Leonardo's "machines", and Mr. Wallace gives his careful opinions on which ideas might have worked and which would not have and why.
I came away with a very good idea of the life, times and contemporaries of Leonardo of Vinci, Italy, and what it must have been like to have been a genius then. The fact that he had SO much energy, and moved from project to project, not bothering to complete projects was something I did not realize, nor did I realize how few paintings he actually completed. An awesome book.
* It's on my bedroom wall, with a framed Buddha from a friend, Peggy G., an original drawing of Father(!) Damian that I brought from Hawai'i, and an angel statue from my childhood that glows in the dark.
April 7, 2015
I enjoyed the photos & illustrations, some done by Leonardo, others done by other contemporaries, students, & followers. He's a very fascinating & mysterious man, & there is still a great deal unknown about his life. Sad that so much of his works & notes were lost over time.
My fandom with Ninja Turtles practically led me to find out more about their Renaissance master namesakes. That's probably my main reason for wanting to get into this book, to be honest. So, thanks Eastman & Laird!
I started this book ages ago, & had been reading bits & pieces of it on & off. But since I hadn't touched it in so long (bookmarked on page 106), I decided to start over with reading it, so as to mentally catch up.
My fandom with Ninja Turtles practically led me to find out more about their Renaissance master namesakes. That's probably my main reason for wanting to get into this book, to be honest. So, thanks Eastman & Laird!
I started this book ages ago, & had been reading bits & pieces of it on & off. But since I hadn't touched it in so long (bookmarked on page 106), I decided to start over with reading it, so as to mentally catch up.
January 5, 2021
The writing style is a bit too precious for me, but it’s a helpful overview. I’m a fan of this series; the books provide the perfect level of detail for dilettante like myself.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews