OSHER 332 - Leonardo da Vinci: The Shaping of an Artistic Genius

Come be invigorated by learning new and little-known aspects of artist Leonardo da Vinci's life, his work, and his passion for interlocking knots. Enter Luca Pacioli, the famous Renaissance mathematician, who becomes Leonardo's apprentice and who plays a major role in his masterpieces, from The Last Supper to the Mona Lisa. Then there is Isabella d'Este, patron of the arts and hostess to Leonardo and Luca when, in 1499 fleeing the perils of war the men took refuge in her castle. The sojourn yields a sketch by Leonardo of Isabella with a promise to be followed by a "color portrait" of the Marchesa. Discover the intrigue of the relationships of the apprentice, the master, and the Renaissance woman and her unfinished, unpainted portrait that will intertwine their lives forever.