Quick Take

TASCHEN's 25th anniversary - Special edition! Special bestseller price Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) possessed one of the greatest minds of all time; his importance and influence are inestimable. This XXL-format comprehensive survey is the most complete book ever made on the subject of this Italian painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, scientist and all-around genius. With huge, full-bleed details of Leonardo's masterworks, this highly original publication allows the reader to inspect the subtlest facets of his brushstrokes. * Part I explores Leonardo's life and work in ten chapters. All of his paintings are interpreted in depth, with The Annunciation and The Last Supper featured on large double-spreads. * Part II comprises a catalogue raisonn? of Leonardo's paintings, which covers all of his surviving and lost painted works and includes texts describing their states of preservation. * Part III contains an extensive catalogue of his drawings (numbering in the thousands, they cannot all be reproduced in one book); 663 are presented, arranged by category (architecture, technical, anatomical, figures, proportion, cartography, etc). This sumptuous TASCHEN offering is the most thorough and beautifully produced Leonardo book ever published, and this special edition offers it for a third of the usual price.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings

Introduction

Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings is a comprehensive and highly original publication that celebrates the life and works of one of the greatest minds of all time. This XXL-format book offers readers an in-depth exploration of Leonardo's masterpieces, allowing them to inspect the subtlest facets of his brushstrokes. With a special bestseller price, this book is the most thorough and beautifully produced Leonardo book ever published. In this article, we will delve into the book's author, Frank Zöllner, analyze common opinions from readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Frank Zöllner

Frank Zöllner, the author of Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings, is a German art historian and professor. Born on June 26, 1956, in Bremen, Zöllner studied history of art from 1977 to 1981. He later became an 'Aby Warburg Fellow' in the Warburg Institute in London and worked as a research assistant at the Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome. Since 1996, Zöllner has been a professor of medieval and modern art history at the University of Leipzig. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in art history, Zöllner provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Leonardo's life and works.

Analysis of Views

Awesome prints showing every detail: Readers rave about the high-quality prints in this book, which allow them to see every detail of Leonardo's paintings and drawings. The reproductions are so accurate that readers feel as if they are standing in front of the actual masterpieces.
Insightful analysis: Many readers appreciate the thorough analysis provided in this book. It goes beyond being a mere biography of Leonardo da Vinci, instead offering a collection and analysis of his works. Readers gain valuable insights into Leonardo's life, his creations, and the society and culture of his time.
Stunning reproductions: The reproductions in this book are praised for their clarity and accuracy. Readers enjoy seeing detailed sections of paintings as well as the full paintings themselves, allowing them to scrutinize even the most minute details such as brushstrokes and figures or shapes.
Depth of da Vinci's curiosity: The book showcases the seemingly never-ending depth of Leonardo's curiosity about the world around him. From plants and animals to fables and war machines, da Vinci's curiosity spanned numerous areas of interest. Readers find this aspect of Leonardo's life fascinating and inspiring.
Thorough information: This book provides readers with a wealth of information about Leonardo's life, painting process, the condition/location/history of each painting, as well as most of his drawings. The author explains why some works may or may not be correctly attributed, adding depth to the understanding of Leonardo's legacy.

Reasons for Recommendation

Thorough exploration: Readers recommend this book for its comprehensive exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's life and works. It goes beyond being a biography and offers a collection and analysis of his paintings and drawings, providing readers with valuable insights into his creative process and contributions to various fields.
High-quality reproductions: The stunning reproductions in this book make it an excellent resource for art enthusiasts who want to see detailed sections of paintings as well as the full paintings themselves. The clarity and accuracy of the reproductions make it a must-have for anyone interested in Leonardo da Vinci's works.
Insightful analysis: The thorough analysis provided by Frank Zöllner makes this book a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Leonardo da Vinci's life and creations. Readers appreciate the author's research and explanations, which add depth to their appreciation of Leonardo's legacy.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Huge size: Some readers find the book's size daunting, as it weighs over 10 pounds and measures over a foot in length. This makes it difficult to pick up and read casually, requiring a flat surface for reading. However, many readers still find it an informative and gorgeous book that rewards repeated perusals.
Binding issue: A few readers have mentioned that the binding of the book can ruin some images due to its thickness. While this may be a minor issue for some readers, it could be a reason for others to consider before purchasing the book.

Conclusion

Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings is a comprehensive and highly recommended book that offers readers an in-depth exploration of Leonardo's masterpieces. With its stunning reproductions, insightful analysis, and thorough information about Leonardo's life and works, this book provides valuable insights into the mind of one of history's greatest minds. While some readers may find the size daunting or have issues with the binding, the overall consensus is that this book is an essential addition to any art enthusiast's collection. Whether you are interested in art appreciation, history, or simply want to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci's legacy, this book is a must-read.