This evocative account of the life of the Renaissance's greatest figure traces Leonardo's early development as an artist and court figure to his final years in exile, portraying his loves and sufferings, as well as his intellectual curiosity and tireless loyalty to his ideals. But it is the background to his famous painting La Gioconda and his relationship with the mysterious Florentine woman who modelled for it that are at the heart of the novel - here presented for the first time in an unabridged translation. The result is an engrossing and unforgettable read. An unjustly forgotten masterpiece of Russian literature that inspired one of Freud's most important essays, Leonardo da Vinci also offers an illuminating snapshot of the society of the period - beset with intrigue and religious and social tension - and a host of memorable historical figures such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Machiavelli, Savonarola and the infamous Borgias.

About the Author
Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky (1865-1941) was a Russian novelist and poet who helped found the Symbolist movement and was a major figure of the Silver Age of Russian Poetry. He was twice forced into political exile, but continued publishing novels and became a prominent critic of his native country.

Reviews
We are given a rare insight into what is probably the nearest anyone has come to Leonardo's character. * Yorkshire Gazette *



Book Information
ISBN 9781847493064
Author Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky
Format Paperback
Page Count 672
Imprint Alma Classics
Publisher Alma Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 547g