As I delve into the captivating tale of Leonardo da Vinci, I am struck by the profound impact this multifaceted genius had on the world and how his life serves as a beacon for us all. Born nearly five centuries ago, he was a man ahead of his time, bridging the gap between art, science, and philosophy in ways that continue to resonate today.
Today, over five centuries since his passing, the influence of Leonardo da Vinci’s artworks remains widespread. The renowned “Mona Lisa” has been immortalized in Lego form, while it also played a pivotal part in Rian Johnson’s film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” This summer, a contentious reference to his celebrated “The Last Supper” was made during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, rekindling interest in the image’s historical significance. Moreover, his “Vitruvian Man” continues to adorn the walls of anatomy classrooms worldwide.
The Italian Renaissance artist and thinker, known for creating just about 20 paintings during his lifetime, was truly a man before his era. Interestingly, he’s the type of figure who has been greatly admired posthumously, a subject that Ken Burns, renowned documentarian, has devoted his career to exploring in groundbreaking films. Notably, among all his past subjects, Burns believes that Leonardo da Vinci might have excelled in today’s contemporary world.
In conversation with EbMaster, Burns says, “Out of all the historical figures I’ve delved into, he’d likely be the least taken aback if transported to the current era. He’d express curiosity about our discoveries and ask questions such as, ‘How did you manage the gravity challenge while going to the moon?’
In a groundbreaking venture, my colleagues Ken and Sarah – Ken Burns’ daughter and son-in-law, respectively – have ventured beyond the familiar territory of American history for the first time in their careers. Instead, they’ve chosen to delve into the life of Leonardo da Vinci, a figure who predates the very concept of the United States. From here on, I will refer to Ken and Sarah by their first names for simplicity.
Ken remarks, “It was an amazing release for us, brought about by this restless, inquisitive individual.” He continues, “We often find ourselves captivated by the wizard, the elderly man with a beard, the Gandalf-like figure of Leonardo. However, this fascination detracts from the true essence of him. Unlike Michelangelo, who was a tormented artist, he is simply an extraordinary presence to be in company with, one who never ceases to challenge and question everything.
Initially, Ken rejected the idea of a documentary about da Vinci proposed by historian Walter Isaacson, as it wasn’t within his usual area of interest. However, during discussions with Sarah and McMahon, they managed to persuade him that expanding one’s artistic horizons could be beneficial – something Leonardo da Vinci might have agreed with. “I suppose this old dog can learn a new trick,” Ken remarked, expressing his change of mind.
The movie currently available on PBS.org and local PBS stations presents a compelling argument that Leonardo da Vinci is the greatest painter who ever lived. With his iconic works being among the most recognized and replicated art pieces in history, it’s hard to find someone who disagrees. However, the film’s panel of experts from various artistic and theological fields emphasize that da Vinci wasn’t just a skilled artist; he was also one of humanity’s greatest thinkers with an unquenchable curiosity for knowledge. From his early sketches of flying machines to his diagrams of the circulatory system, da Vinci never stopped learning, even though society might not have been ready for his insights at the time.
Ken expresses, “In my view, the essence of his tale is that the areas he dedicated his life to held no significance during his era.” He successfully unraveled the mystery of the human heart, crafting a model utilizing ox hearts and human dissections. Consequently, his findings disproved the two-chamber theory proposed by the ancient Greek physician Galen, which had been widely accepted for over a millennium. Instead, he established that there are four chambers in the heart and understood how its valves functioned. However, his discoveries were not immediately applicable as cardiac surgery was not yet practiced [in 16th century Italy]. The field of cardiology did not exist at that time. Yet, centuries before our current understanding, he had already grasped these concepts without the aid of a microscope or telescope. I find it fascinating.
Guillermo del Toro, a renowned filmmaker nominated for an Oscar and one of the interviewees in the documentary, points out in the second episode that da Vinci embodied all the questions humanity still grapples with today. Despite passing away in 1519 at the age of 67, these unanswered questions were captured in countless pages of notebooks filled with intricate sketches and contemplations. Since photographs and historical footage of his life are scarce, these notebooks became a guiding light for the filmmakers, as McMahon refers to them, in their quest to decipher the enigmatic man that was da Vinci.
Sarah states, “We’re projecting Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts back onto him. The challenge arises: how do we portray such a complex individual? Since we delve into his mind using his notebooks, the film starts by immersing us in his viewpoint from within his eye, making it seem as if we’re inside his brain, pondering what he sees, questioning, and making extraordinary connections across various fields and nature.
To bring the world as seen by da Vinci back to life, the filmmakers employ split-screen technique to visually translate his notes. They contrast scenes of nature’s marvels, such as running streams and birds in flight, with his sketches, demonstrating the complex ideas of motion and gravity that puzzled da Vinci. He frequently worked on designs for inventions he would never build, but when viewed from a modern perspective, they appear remarkably relevant. For instance, he was preoccupied with flying, and came up with designs that would have given the Wright Brothers a run for their money in their time.
As a movie enthusiast, I find myself often anticipating such marvels, for he invites us to envision the unimaginable. We, his admirers, have translated the fantasies of Leonardo da Vinci into tangible reality.
Throughout a four-hour documentary, his artwork chronicles the tale of a man embarking on an artistic exploration. In collaboration with Big Star Animation, the filmmakers digitally reenacted the method Leonardo da Vinci employed to create some of his most renowned pieces. The inaugural episode concludes by meticulously illustrating “The Last Supper,” where the base structure was geometrical lines used to generate symmetrical tension among the disciples at Christ’s table. To da Vinci, mathematics was a form of art.
McMahon explains that initially, they found it challenging to display the painting in a tale focusing on its creation over time. Instead, they opted for a climactic unveiling at the story’s end, using an animated sequence as a means to achieve this goal. This animated portion serves multiple purposes, primarily helping us visually depict the passage of time. An intriguing aspect includes observing how sunlight moves through the space, witnessing the progression of scaffolding being erected, and noticing layers of paint being applied to the wall.
Regarding the analysis of the artwork, it falls upon a diverse team of experts, including art historians, artists, theater directors, filmmakers, engineers, authors, and even cardiac specialists, to scrutinize and decipher the secrets hidden within each stroke attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
Monsignor Timothy Verdon guides us on a theological journey exploring “The Virgin of the Rocks.” Art historian Carmen Bambach shares insights into the creative process behind “The Last Supper.” Art expert Francesa Borga delves into “The Mona Lisa,” revealing it as more than just a enigmatic smiling woman; instead, she explains it as a summation of all that Leonardo da Vinci had learned throughout his life.
Ken remarks, ‘It’s unlike you’re just listening to music through your small headphones at the art museum while strolling through the gallery.’ Instead, he explains, ‘You’re being enveloped, nurtured, and given insights that our usual distractions often overlook.’
Similar to Leonardo da Vinci, who didn’t settle for mere observation, the filmmakers also discourage passive viewing. In this movie, they portray characters from England, Italy, and France conversing in their native tongues, complete with subtitles. Additionally, actor Adriano Giannini voices da Vinci’s words in both Italian and English. This immersive approach is intentional, as the filmmakers wanted viewers to engage deeply with the material. As Ken explains, “We aimed to immerse ourselves in these diverse languages and grasp how universal these aspirations truly are.
Initially, apart from Da Vinci’s own utterances, it was del Toro’s voice that resonated, a somewhat unanticipated inclusion deliberately selected as Sarah had learned that he drew inspiration from Da Vinci to fill notebooks with sketches of his cinematic monster creations. Ken points out the “joyful curiosity about probing the universe” evident in del Toro’s gothic films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” which, according to him, bears a striking resemblance to Da Vinci’s own exploration of the interwoven strands of knowledge and imagination.
He explains that they aren’t opposing entities; instead, they are interconnected. In Leonardo da Vinci, I believe we find the individual of the last millennium who truly grasped this concept. While the British argue for William Shakespeare, the Germans claim Mozart and Bach, and we might point to a flawed Thomas Jefferson as one who encapsulated a century’s worth of Enlightenment thought in the Declaration of Independence. However, Leonardo encompassed all these roles.
Yet, even he comes with his surprises. Some viewers may be shocked to learn da Vinci had a notorious habit of not finishing some of his greatest works. Whether something else stole his attention away or he feared what finishing a masterpiece truly meant, wrestling with those questions, Sarah Burns says, is what fueled their storytelling.
She wonders why he didn’t complete tasks. Regardless of whether we could have figured out the reason, it seemed intriguing to delve deeper into it. What drives his relentless quest and inquisitiveness, which permeates everything he does? To me, this is what makes him unique.
As a devoted admirer, I’d share that at one point, the creators of this documentary contemplated leaving it incomplete before presenting it to PBS. We could justify this decision as offering a more authentic depiction of Leonardo’s artistic journey. Perhaps we would conclude with a note: “The filmmakers have unearthed all they desired on this fascinating subject and are now venturing into new territories. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey.
However, contrary to what you might expect, that wasn’t the conclusion of his tale. The second installment, filled with suspenseful excitement reminiscent of a racing heartbeat, delves deep into the 13-year journey of creating “Mona Lisa”, a commissioned work he never delivered but carried with him until his last days. The movie immerses us in her story, peeling back the layers of her pop culture fame to reveal her significance within da Vinci’s body of work. Every skill as a painter, inventor, botanist, and master of water dynamics, gravity, anatomy, and philosophy is embodied in the lifelike portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. Yet, even today, Ken expresses his regrets for categorizing da Vinci’s talents within such narrow fields.
He finds the classifications pointless,” he remarks, “as he couldn’t identify with them. Instead, he effortlessly moved among them. This is why the ‘Mona Lisa’ stands as a groundbreaking scientific masterpiece and some of his anatomical sketches are considered artistic wonders. His voice still echoes in my mind, criticizing me for my need to separate the two. He didn’t differentiate between the two, just like nature doesn’t. And that was his profound, universal mentor.
The trio – Ken, Sarah, and McMahon – have explored various biographical topics outside their immediate sphere. There’s a question mark about whether they may venture back into chronicling international personalities at some point, as their opinions on this matter differ.
Sarah and McMahon spent a year in Florence alongside their family, delving into the remains of da Vinci’s era. This unique experience has left them open to exploring another artist or an international subject matter next. McMahon expresses their enthusiasm for incorporating fresh compositions, as they collaborated with composer Caroline Shaw to generate something entirely new that harmoniously resonates with da Vinci’s spirit and thought process rather than relying on music from his time.
Ken, at this point, isn’t eager to make any firm commitments beyond the U.S. right away. He has his upcoming films mapped out until the end of the decade, including “Emancipation to Exodus,” a project he is now jointly directing with Sarah and McMahon. This movie explores the Black experience following the Civil War.
Over the last few years, my next solo endeavor has primarily kept me rooted at home: “The American Revolution.” As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that this series, comprising six two-hour episodes, is set to premiere in November. This timely release coincides with the approaching 250th anniversary of the war, and I must admit, it ranks as one of the most challenging productions I’ve ever undertaken.
He contends that conflicts such as the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and Vietnam were indeed violent. However, when it comes to the Revolution, we don’t view it as violent; instead, we strive to preserve it, safeguard it, and portray it as if it were merely a gathering of men exchanging brilliant ideas. It’s true that this is a significant aspect of it, but the truth is far more complex than that.
Despite stepping out of his usual realm for a while, his documentary still felt comfortable for him. Even during his time exploring like Da Vinci, he never fully let go of the known. Interestingly, Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer whose namesake are North and South America, was an associate of Da Vinci in the late 1400s. In a sense, Vespucci could be seen as preceding America, but Da Vinci wasn’t actually that distant from its beginnings.
Ken shares that he’s most familiar with our shared tale, but that doesn’t prevent us from catching up on someone else’s narrative as well,” is one possible way of paraphrasing the original sentence in a natural and easy-to-read manner.
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2024-11-20 03:51