Online Members' talk and Q&A
About
Leonardo’s 'The Virgin of the Rocks' is one of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery.
In art historian Leah Kharibian's new book, 'Leonardo: The Virgin of the Rocks', she tells the fascinating story behind this mysterious work. She explores the work’s changing designs and Leonardo's innovative techniques, illuminated in this rich, compact book.
In this online Members' event, Leah is joined by art historian Jacqui Ansell to discuss her book, the painting, and the process of creating new texts for beloved works of art.
Copies of 'Leonardo: The Virgin of the Rocks' are available in our National Gallery gift shops.
One Painting, One Story
'One Painting, One Story' is a new National Gallery book series that looks closely at some of our most beloved paintings. This special Members' events programme celebrates each story, with unique insights from the authors.
Other events in the programme:
Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Thursday 15 May 2025 (online)
Monet's The Water-Lily Pond, Thursday, 5 June 2025 (online)
Speakers
Leah Kharibian is an independent art historian, writer, filmmaker and broadcaster on art. She has worked with the National Gallery since 1991, producing books for general readers on Leonardo and Velázquez, as well writing exhibition texts for many of the Gallery’s most celebrated shows, including the 2011 'Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan' and the recent 'Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers'.
Jacqui Ansell is an experienced lecturer who has devised talks and tours based around the National Gallery’s collection for many years. She lectures on art and cultural history for the Wallace Collection, National Portrait Gallery and the Arts Society and was Senior Lecturer at Christie’s Education, writing, presenting and tutoring online courses.
Watch again
A recording of this event will be made available to all ticket holders in the days following the event.
This recording will be available for two weeks.
Closed captions
Automatic closed captioning is available for this event.
One Painting, One Story: Leonardo's The Virgin of the Rocks
Online Members' talk and Q&A
Free for Members
This is an online event, exclusive to Members, hosted on Zoom.
Members, please book your free ticket to access this event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account. Only one ticket can be booked per account.
A recording of this event will be made available to all ticket holders in the days following the event.
