Leonardo da Vinci was a painter and a brilliant draughtsman, known for his famed works such as the 'Mona Lisa', 'The Burlington House Cartoon', and 'The Virgin of the Rocks', but his career is littered with unfinished projects. He was a scientist and inventor, although many of his ideas would wait centuries to be properly understood. Leonardo was also a musician and showman, creating court entertainments and theatrical spectacles for his noble patrons, but also making maps, engineering drainage schemes and designing siege engines and fortifications to aid the violent battles of his era. 

In this In-focus session, we will look at the remarkable trajectory of Leonardo’s life – from his beginnings as the illegitimate son of a Florentine lawyer, to his death as an honoured guest of the King of France, known across Europe and one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance. We will also consider how his legacy was viewed in the centuries since his death – right up to his mega-star status today.