Martin Kemp, an art historian and a world-renowned expert on the work of Leonardo da Vinci, reveals the secrets of the peculiar world that has emerged around the figure of the genius artist. This world is inhabited by art historians of all kinds, private collectors, museum curators, shady art dealers, obsequious auctioneers, outstanding scholars, pseudo-historians, and dreamers. Kemp has to withstand the onslaught of the militant legions of "Leonardo fanatics," navigate the labyrinth of intrigues, smooth over rough edges in conflicts among scholars and museum workers, and fend off attacks from Leonardo's detractors. In his new book, he discusses the complexities of attributing paintings, the nuances of scientific and technical expertise, and the ambiguity of evaluating and perceiving classical art in the modern world.
Throughout the book, which encompasses both scientific interpretations and the phenomenon of the popularity of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, we are accompanied by Leonardo's unique talent, and we continue to be amazed that even after 500 years, his genius still stirs the minds and touches the hearts of all who come into contact with it.
