In this live episode, Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Dara Ó Briain join to discuss Leonardo da Vinci and his life during the Italian Renaissance. They debate whether da Vinci was a genius or an "ideas man" who couldn't finish what he started. Topics include da Vinci's artistic skills, inventions, his fascination with anatomy, and his cautious approach to the church. The episode also includes trivia games and light-hearted banter. The hosts express gratitude and introduce a new podcast series called 'Witch with me'.
Leonardo da Vinci was a versatile genius of the Italian Renaissance, excelling in art, invention, science, and anatomy.
The theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 propelled the painting to unprecedented fame, making it an iconic masterpiece.
Deep dives
Leonardo da Vinci's Multi-Faceted Life
Leonardo da Vinci was a renowned artist, inventor, scientist, and polymath of the Italian Renaissance. He had a curious and restless mind, constantly seeking knowledge and exploring various fields. From his innovative paintings like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper to his extensive anatomical drawings and military inventions, da Vinci left behind a remarkable body of work. Despite his procrastination and inability to finish certain projects, his genius and unique perspective continue to captivate and inspire people worldwide.
The Mona Lisa: From Obscurity to Icon
The Mona Lisa is Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting, renowned for its enigmatic smile and captivating gaze. However, its rise to icon status can be attributed in part to a theft in 1911. The sensational heist, along with the mystery surrounding the painting and the subsequent recovery, captured the public's imagination and propelled the Mona Lisa to unprecedented fame. Today, it is hailed as a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and is one of the most recognizable and studied paintings in the world.
Legacy and Controversies
Leonardo da Vinci's legacy extends far beyond his paintings and inventions. His notebooks, filled with sketches, observations, and ideas, provide glimpses into his genius and limitless curiosity. His contributions to fields like anatomy, mathematics, and urban planning were groundbreaking for his time. Controversies persist around his personal life, religious beliefs, and attribution of certain artworks. However, there is no denying the significant impact da Vinci had on the art world and his lasting influence on science and creativity.
In this special, live episode of You’re Dead To Me, Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Dara Ó Briain to learn about Leonardo da Vinci.
Leonardo lived from 1452 to 1519 during an era of plague and warfare across Western Europe. It was also the height of the Italian Renaissance.
From mathematics to military maps, and some paintings which you may have heard of, Leonardo da Vinci did it all. But was he a generational genius or an "ideas man" who had a chronic inability to finish what he started?
For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.
Research by Anna Nadine-Pike
Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Project Management: Isla Matthews
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
The You're Dead To Me theme tune was performed by Charles Mutter and the BBC Concert Orchestra
You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode