Decoding da Vinci | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

This paragraph introduces Leonardo da Vinci as a legendary artist, scientist, and inventor whose universal genius speaks to everyone. It delves into the mystery behind the creation of his most famous painting, the 'Mona Lisa', and explores the scientific investigation that aims to unlock its secrets. The narrative sets the stage for a journey through Leonardo's life, his scientific explorations, and his artistic masterpieces, particularly focusing on the enigmatic 'Mona Lisa' and its enduring allure.

This paragraph discusses the worldwide celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death. It highlights the various events planned, from a fine art museum in Beijing to a multimedia extravaganza in Peru, and a major exhibition at the Louvre. The Louvre's significance is underscored by its possession of the largest collection of da Vinci's paintings, emphasizing the museum's intimate connection with the artist and the importance of the occasion.

The focus of this paragraph is on the scientific investigation into Leonardo da Vinci's paintings, particularly the 'Mona Lisa'. It describes the collaboration between art historian Bruno Mottin and a team of scientists to understand the chemistry of Leonardo's paints and the depth created by the layering of translucent paint. The narrative also touches on the artist's innovative approach to painting, his perfectionism, and the new techniques being used to peer inside his masterpieces, revealing the secrets of his technique and the possibility that science was the key to his artistic genius.

This paragraph delves into the history and creation of the 'Mona Lisa', from its beginnings as a portrait commission in Florence to its transformation into a universal painting. It explores the technological methods used by scientists to analyze the painting, such as ultraviolet and infrared imaging and X-rays, which reveal restorations, the original structure, and the evolution of the image. The narrative also discusses the implications of these findings for our understanding of Leonardo's artistic process and the potential differences between the subject Lisa Gherardini and her portrayal in the painting.

This paragraph traces Leonardo da Vinci's early life and education, from his birth in Vinci to his apprenticeship in Florence under Andrea del Verrocchio. It highlights the significance of Florence as a center of commerce, learning, and beauty during the Renaissance and the impact of this environment on Leonardo's development as an artist. The narrative also touches on the unique circumstances of Leonardo's upbringing, which contributed to his status as an outsider and his self-taught approach to learning, fostering his innovative and multidisciplinary mindset.

This paragraph focuses on Leonardo da Vinci's engineering prowess and his proposal for a bridge in Constantinople. It describes the collaboration between M.I.T. engineer John Ochsendorf and his student Karly Bast to test the feasibility of Leonardo's 16th-century bridge design using 21st-century engineering methods. The narrative details the construction and testing of a scale model of the bridge, which demonstrates Leonardo's understanding of geometry and physics, and his ability to create structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing designs.

This paragraph explores Leonardo da Vinci's scientific approach to painting, emphasizing his meticulous study of nature and his innovative use of oil paint to achieve depth and subtle shading. It discusses the restoration of the 'Bacchus' painting and the investigation into whether it was painted by Leonardo himself, focusing on the unique characteristics of his brushwork and the sfumato technique. The narrative also highlights the importance of Leonardo's understanding of human anatomy and optics in creating lifelike and visually engaging paintings.

This paragraph delves into the neurophysiological aspects of viewing the 'Mona Lisa', exploring how our visual system's processing of details and movement contributes to the enigmatic perception of her smile. It describes the experiments conducted by neurophysiologist Margaret Livingstone to understand the effect and how Leonardo may have utilized the brain's visual computations to create an interactive painting that appears to change depending on the viewer's perspective.

This paragraph discusses the restoration of the 'Bacchus' painting and the revelation that it was not a work of Leonardo da Vinci but likely created by his apprentices under his guidance. It also raises the question of whether the 'Mona Lisa' should undergo a similar restoration process. The narrative then introduces Pascal Cotte's digital restoration of the 'Mona Lisa', which uses advanced technology to reverse the aging effects of varnish and pigment changes, revealing a more vibrant and lifelike representation of the painting as Leonardo originally intended.

This paragraph concludes the narrative by highlighting the Louvre's blockbuster Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, which celebrates the artist's fusion of art and science. It reflects on Leonardo's universal genius and his ability to create works that transcend time and culture. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of Leonardo's holistic approach to beauty, which encompassed both his scientific studies and his artistic creations, and the enduring impact of his work on our understanding of both realms.