Renaissance #177 – The Mona Lisa (III) (Leonardo 65)
We’re talking about the Nude Mona Lisa, how the OG version ended up in France., and the story about how an Italian stole it from the Louvre in 1911, increasing its level of fame.
Renaissance #176 – The Mona Lisa (II) (Leonardo 64)
Let’s talk about the painting of the Mona Lisa (aka La Gioconda) itself – how it was painted, and what it all means.
Renaissance #175 – The Mona Lisa (Leonardo 63)
We finally get to the most famous painting in the world. He started it in Florence in 1503, and it was still in his studio when he died in 1519. Who was she? Why did he agree to paint her when he declined many other opportunities to pick up a brush? And why is it so famous?
Renaissance #174 – The Erect Fingers (Leonardo 62)
In the last decade of his life, Leonardo became obsessed with painting erect fingers, especially on very sexy depictions of “St John the Baptist”. What do the fingers represent? We can only imagine…
#173 – Leonardo Goes To Rome (Leonardo 61)
On this episode we focus on the later life of Leonardo da Vinci, examining his self-portrayals, and his relationship with the Medici family. We delve into Leonardo’s image as an “iconic venerable sage” and questions the authenticity of his self-portraits.
Then we look at Leonardo’s move to Rome in 1513, under the patronage of Giovanni de’ Medici, who became Pope Leo X, and his brother Giuliano. He resided in the Villa Belvedere, a hub for intellectuals and artists during the Renaissance, and immersed himself in studying rare plants and fossils. Despite being in an artistic environment, Leonardo is still reluctant to paint, focusing more on the sciences and engineering.
#172 – The Blue Paradox (Leonardo 60)
While Leonardo tries to work out why the sky is blue, a Sforza is back in control of Milan, so Leonardo needs to get out of town until the dust settles.
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