Decoding da Vinci | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

Ғылым және технология

Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces-and Mona Lisa's iconic smile. (Aired November 13, 2019)
Official Website: to.pbs.org/3ZJHjmY | #NOVAPBS
Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance genius. Not only did he paint masterpieces of art, but he was an obsessive scientist and inventor, dreaming up complex machines centuries ahead of his time, including parachutes, armored tanks, hang gliders, and robots. On the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death, with the help of biographer Walter Isaacson, NOVA investigates the secrets of Leonardo’s success. How did his scientific curiosity, from dissections of cadavers to studies of optics, shape his genius and help him create perhaps the most famous painting of all time, the "Mona Lisa"?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:47 How Did da Vinci Make a Perfect Painting?
09:07 The Original Mona Lisa
14:29 The Early Life of Leonardo da Vinci: Engineer, Scientist, Artist
23:41 The Science of Painting: Restoring a da Vinci Masterpiece
29:17 Modern Day Painters Using da Vinci’s Process
32:24 Leonardo da Vinci’s Anatomical Accuracy
39:36 Mona Lisa’s Smile: Do Our Eyes Trick Us?
44:21 Shocking Result of the Restoration of Bacchus
46:13 Digital Restoration of the Mona Lisa
50:28 Conclusion
© 2023 WGBH Educational Foundation
All rights reserved
This program was produced by GBH, which is solely responsible for its content.
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: pbs.org/donate/
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: to.pbs.org/2QbtzhR
Stay up to date on the latest science discoveries, full episodes, articles, videos, and more by signing up for NOVA's newsletter here: www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/newslet...
FOLLOW US:
NOVA
KZread: / novaonline
Facebook: / novapbs ​
Twitter: / novapbs ​
Instagram: / novapbs
TikTok: / novapbs
PBS
Facebook: / pbs
Twitter: / pbs
Instagram: / pbs
KZread: / pbs
TikTok: / pbs
Shop: shop.pbs.org/
#davinci #leonardodavinci #monalisa #renaissance #anatomy #painting #bacchus #finearts

Пікірлер: 1 300

  • @Newbeginnings228
    @Newbeginnings2282 ай бұрын

    I started crying when I saw The Mona Lisa back in 2004 when I was 25, it’s called Stendhal Syndrome: it’s an intense physical and/or mental symptoms while viewing Artwork. I cried for like an hour. It was amazing and so beautiful. I didn’t know a piece of artwork could invoke such an intense feeling. It made me appreciate life in a new way.

  • @marklouieramirez8789

    @marklouieramirez8789

    Ай бұрын

    Oa

  • @davkatjenn

    @davkatjenn

    Ай бұрын

    Thank God for your ability to feel, as strongly as you did at that moment. Some people go through life never experiencing that strong emotional connection with much of anything. It is like listening to Beethoven's 9th symphony or watching a movie like Casablanca or walking into Notre Dame (before the fire) for the first time, those strong emotions that one feels for those things or any other magnificent things are what make living so beautiful. I too have been entranced by the Mona Lisa and loved seeing her in 2017. To know that that painting was done by the hands of da Vinci ........was indescribable.

  • @glen9265

    @glen9265

    28 күн бұрын

    di siya oa, its something that people experience talaga. wag ka amo

  • @johangreenhaus7995

    @johangreenhaus7995

    27 күн бұрын

    @@davkatjenn: What a wonderful response. Thanks.

  • @AA-ke5cu

    @AA-ke5cu

    5 күн бұрын

    I cried just reading your words.❤

  • @ambermcvay6844
    @ambermcvay68442 ай бұрын

    I am almost 49 yrs old and never understood why people were so enamored by the Mona Lisa, now after watching this, i have to say i am now among them. Great work yall❤

  • @miodragpetrovic1447

    @miodragpetrovic1447

    Ай бұрын

    It is very possible that the Mona Lisa and other works were made with a camera obscura. Leonardo Da Vinci had an image of what looked like a portable camera obscura. This is how you get such unbelievably well done paintings. Same with Woman With A Pearl by Vermeer. If you're interested, look up a documentary called Tim's Vermeer. Very interesting film. He actually builds a camera obscura to attempt to emulate Vermeers work with great success.

  • @ambermcvay6844

    @ambermcvay6844

    Ай бұрын

    @@miodragpetrovic1447 Thank you for the suggestion, I am interested.

  • @dloadthis1617
    @dloadthis1617 Жыл бұрын

    Since NOVA is nice enough to provide all of us to watch their documentaries free of charge... The least we could do is to click the "Like" button to support them. That is the least we can do! 👍😍👍

  • @thurayya8905

    @thurayya8905

    11 ай бұрын

    And subscribe.

  • @fishingforattention2037

    @fishingforattention2037

    11 ай бұрын

    They're not "nice enough"... It's publically funded and then they get funding from people like David Koch (Koch Brothers). There's nothing free

  • @Ndriver

    @Ndriver

    Ай бұрын

    😊😊

  • @markpallister9882
    @markpallister9882 Жыл бұрын

    His ideas were 500 years ahead of those times.... Breathtakingly intelligent and his creativity was off the scale 😮 l am convinced Leonardo knew things that we don't know today ....

  • @senti7965

    @senti7965

    6 ай бұрын

    Because he knows that the knowledge where we can inspired and learn is within us and we are literally light beings and can travel to another dimensions using Meditation and Pineal Gland.

  • @DaithiONUALLAIN-ow3es

    @DaithiONUALLAIN-ow3es

    5 ай бұрын

    @@senti7965since you know have you went there for inspiration etc I believe you meditate at the opening of a cave and life’s the limit.

  • @DaithiONUALLAIN-ow3es

    @DaithiONUALLAIN-ow3es

    5 ай бұрын

    @@senti7965 So have you gone there too so what’s it like have you been inspired to do magic stuff or what. Leonardo said humans were made like all animals . We have people who can do amazing things like the Rain Man and there’s a lot of others too Like Leonardo it’s all in the so called dead DNA genes we all have sometimes a hit on head brings some to life and things become so simple like art , being a human calculator etc etc things are simple. Ever read the predictions of the Torah a frightening thing. Governments are experimenting on people trying to wake up the’dead dna’ these dna are great to have by now they must have things working for the better of that countries governments. Never say dead dna their dna to make us turn alien when the planet becomes toxic. Aliens are us coming back to their pass . Watch people who hit their heads or got mugged and become smart but these people don’t pick what they want to be . Good luck man enjoy your visits to the cave you might see me .

  • @mascadadelpantion8018
    @mascadadelpantion8018 Жыл бұрын

    I love that Nova always puts up the entire documentary free on KZread

  • @michaelhall7546

    @michaelhall7546

    Жыл бұрын

    Pbs is funded by tax dollars so of course it should be free. Americans have already paid for it

  • @jodywho6696

    @jodywho6696

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too💙💜💚🍀

  • @williamhilbert8324

    @williamhilbert8324

    Жыл бұрын

    Ditto the only thing worth a hour left on PBS

  • @michaell.445

    @michaell.445

    Жыл бұрын

    Especially when it's about DaVinci! If the world has had one person that was closest to omnipotence; it was him.

  • @robbyirwin4846

    @robbyirwin4846

    Жыл бұрын

    Super awesome!! Love it!!!

  • @gnome53
    @gnome53 Жыл бұрын

    Leonardo's work was so broad, it feels like this documentary should be just part of a series on his work. More, please!

  • @d.j.norris1680

    @d.j.norris1680

    Жыл бұрын

    S. E½is ❤3eAZ Ok

  • @bettydoughtery3920

    @bettydoughtery3920

    Жыл бұрын

    YES

  • @BJones-yw4dd

    @BJones-yw4dd

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly -- I'm part way through his biography by Walter Isaacson -- there was so much talent and brilliance in one single person.

  • @seanh4841

    @seanh4841

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa is boring, he probably would have liked to paint boys, as that is what he really loved

  • @alanmichael6713

    @alanmichael6713

    11 ай бұрын

    kzread.info/dash/bejne/hpeN1cOnmaSqnLw.html

  • @striker44
    @striker4411 ай бұрын

    I am impressed with the scientific methods and engineering tools used to study the painting by the talented Leonardo, who was an engineer, a scientist , and an artist.

  • @carminaisabel4621

    @carminaisabel4621

    8 ай бұрын

    J=p=jiiui

  • @jeffreydannemiller6796

    @jeffreydannemiller6796

    7 ай бұрын

    😊😅😅😢 it has been gn

  • @jacksonmcnuggets7488

    @jacksonmcnuggets7488

    6 ай бұрын

    Full circle

  • @the_big_T_show

    @the_big_T_show

    5 ай бұрын

  • @thelivingone6335

    @thelivingone6335

    5 ай бұрын

    Fools speaking saying nothing impressing others pretend to understand guess educated guessers pretender's of understanding deceiving self and others Injust untrue self and others unknown to even self pretending to be known to the ALL

  • @VelaGodide-ls1ln
    @VelaGodide-ls1ln5 ай бұрын

    He deserve to be called "Sir Leonardo Da Vinci" his art is unmatched ❤

  • @danushaforknneer2749
    @danushaforknneer2749 Жыл бұрын

    I went to Paris in the late 90’s with my then husband & another couple. We went to the Louvre one day. The others glanced at the Mona Lisa. I was awestruck. They all walked off as I stood in front of the painting. Out of no where I started to cry as I stood there. Was totally overwhelmed. To this day I am not sure what happened. Finally broke away and had to find my husband and travel companions. That memory has stayed with me. That feeling of being overcome with emotion.

  • @Bwhaahhhb

    @Bwhaahhhb

    Жыл бұрын

    My late Momzie had the same reaction to The David when she saw it in person.

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @aarong8457

    @aarong8457

    11 ай бұрын

    That sounds like schizophrenia.

  • @thurayya8905

    @thurayya8905

    11 ай бұрын

    Epiphany.

  • @johnhough4445

    @johnhough4445

    11 ай бұрын

    @@aarong8457 Not sure I understand your comment, or see your point?

  • @41ankitt
    @41ankitt Жыл бұрын

    Today people see Art and Science different from each other sometimes in contradiction but in Leonardo's world they completed eachother without science he wouldn't have been able to make his masterpieces in art and without his drawings he wouldn't have been able to draw those wonderful and beautiful representations of the human anatomy ! .... He never saw the contradiction between art and science but rather them as one .... What a genius 🙂 ....

  • @circlef4256

    @circlef4256

    10 ай бұрын

    the stupidity and idiocy of people who are watching these sorts of videos to fill their heads with bullshit.

  • @martymagz6272
    @martymagz62723 ай бұрын

    Thoroughly informative and easy to watch. It is a shame you left out his youthful years whilst he studied the way of the ancient ninja and mastered many martial arts. His skill with twin katana was a thing of beauty. You can appreciate how his fine sword skills influenced his delicate brush strokes. How his time with his brothers impacted his thinking, I'm confident to assume his moments with Donatello and Donatello's machines had his inventive mind ablaze with creative thoughts.

  • @stephaniemcpherson2558
    @stephaniemcpherson255811 ай бұрын

    I cannot get enough of NOVA. I absolutely ADORE it. I can, and do, watch for hours & hours, episode after episode. I have no idea what’s on mainstream (CBS, NBC, ABC etc…) TV these days b/c I only watch PBS and the occasional on-demand movie. Keep up the magnificent work!❤🎉

  • @c.s.7266

    @c.s.7266

    11 ай бұрын

    Ditto!

  • @wanderlust...H

    @wanderlust...H

    9 ай бұрын

    How about Netflix ? Recently finished watching black mirror

  • @ramani1601

    @ramani1601

    7 ай бұрын

    🎉🎉🎉❤

  • @sharondisney1637

    @sharondisney1637

    4 ай бұрын

    Omg Black Mirror was too real...

  • @celiamaness8856
    @celiamaness8856 Жыл бұрын

    I have been fascinated by Leonardo DaVinci since I was a child and I found a large book in the public library in my small town about him. He is so out there. He is truly a man deserving of the word genius

  • @jm844

    @jm844

    Жыл бұрын

    dont't believe that book , it was written by someone who didn't even know him, and the way that they explain the art is bull, sorry but i've been a painter for almost 40 years , gossip is what creates misinformation

  • @houhong84

    @houhong84

    11 ай бұрын

    L

  • @houhong84

    @houhong84

    11 ай бұрын

    L

  • @pieceD399

    @pieceD399

    11 ай бұрын

    Yep its really amazing If i have to guess this is a mix of expressions ( smile the base ) ( then on other points on her face there some others thats reselble at some types of smile but arent ) Its really amazing if we focus on mouth and go to right gives a feeling , if we go from mouth to nose another , etc , if we mix with focus and unfocus gives another ( this guy is really a genius , he probably could see through everyone just by looking at their faces ) No wonder he was so obcesed with muscles , etc

  • @johnhough4445

    @johnhough4445

    11 ай бұрын

    @@houhong84 Go to L yourself ...

  • @twistedtrickster
    @twistedtrickster10 ай бұрын

    Da Vinci is and always will be the ultimate polymath. Genius on all levels.

  • @circlef4256

    @circlef4256

    10 ай бұрын

    the stupidity and idiocy of people who are watching these sorts of videos to fill their heads with bullshit.

  • @slwtgf
    @slwtgfАй бұрын

    3:32 enigmatic , without trying or intentionally out to be enigmatic or secretive. That’s what gets me, is how genuine the smile /expression is done…

  • @PaulyJ.Rabago-ht4wu
    @PaulyJ.Rabago-ht4wu24 күн бұрын

    I finally, finally understand the reference made to her "elusive smile" so thank you PBS for another well-produced documentary 👏🏽

  • @seo.schweiz
    @seo.schweiz10 ай бұрын

    Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath, artist, scientist, and inventor who lived during the Renaissance period. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, he is widely considered one of the most influential figures in human history. Leonardo da Vinci's diverse talents and areas of expertise encompassed painting, sculpture, anatomy, engineering, architecture, mathematics, music, and more. As an artist, Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for his iconic works such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." His artistic style, characterized by his use of soft sfumato and realistic depictions, showcased his mastery of light, shadow, and perspective.

  • @mkhanman12345

    @mkhanman12345

    5 ай бұрын

    They have Wikipedia.com.

  • @sTraYa249

    @sTraYa249

    3 ай бұрын

    ÀXP HF

  • @sTraYa249

    @sTraYa249

    3 ай бұрын

    ÀXP HF

  • @jackiedouglas4483

    @jackiedouglas4483

    2 ай бұрын

    Leonardo Il Divino

  • @simonwhitford1847

    @simonwhitford1847

    2 ай бұрын

    ❤😊😂❤😂😂

  • @christinejesson-valore6439
    @christinejesson-valore6439 Жыл бұрын

    Wonderful programming. As an artist myself, I can only imagine what it would have been like to study under da Vinci. Now, with programming like this, I almost can!

  • @PrismosPicks

    @PrismosPicks

    Жыл бұрын

    Believing in yourself is only half of the adventure and the other half is finding out why! Best wishes to you!! 🎓

  • @larrywakeman4371

    @larrywakeman4371

    Жыл бұрын

    I am a fine artist, also, and I feel the same way! William Bouguereau, my favorite artist- --his skin tones are unreal! -- used multiple oil lgazes to achieve life like skintones. Kimberly

  • @user-gx8nf8cf9s

    @user-gx8nf8cf9s

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you 🌻

  • @bluwtrgypsy
    @bluwtrgypsy Жыл бұрын

    I stood in from of the Mona Lisa in 1970, when there was no barricade. She hung on the wall just like in anyone's living room. I was so struck by the mysterious beauty in her gaze. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be that close, unlike the way one has to view her today. Leonardo is a masterpiece, himself. A true genius of a man. Blessings to all

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @NONANTI

    @NONANTI

    6 ай бұрын

    I understand why geniuses are often crazy as well. But cutting off his own ear always just seemed a little ridiculous to me.

  • @theclumsyprepper

    @theclumsyprepper

    4 ай бұрын

    @@NONANTI Van Gogh cut his ear off, not Da Vinci.

  • @elmohuaerte6082

    @elmohuaerte6082

    26 күн бұрын

    ​@@NONANTImost genius are ambidextrous. Their brain function differently from others

  • @bgdavenport
    @bgdavenport Жыл бұрын

    Stunning documentary. I stood right in front of Mona Lisa during my Senior trip in the Spring of '70. I could literally reach out and touch her, though I knew better than to do so. Unfortunately, she is behind armored glass to protect her evanescent beauty from those who have no such restraint.

  • @heathermichael3987
    @heathermichael39878 ай бұрын

    I saw the Mona Lisa as a child , I remember losing my breath and being in love. I knew nothing of the name , the artist or anything, I was just a child. I will never forget the moment I lost my breath to this painting.

  • @victoriasmith815
    @victoriasmith81511 ай бұрын

    Exquisite, an art lover in all of us is so happy to have a mini art history class to learn from in this documentary ♥️

  • @itsjustchristina7796

    @itsjustchristina7796

    11 ай бұрын

    No

  • @mango8918
    @mango891811 ай бұрын

    I'm filled with amazement and find it awe inspiring to think of the skills and creativity of these masters to accomplish what they did in days where they didn't have the resources or tools available in modern times.

  • @bluejar5614

    @bluejar5614

    4 ай бұрын

    You sound like a bit with that generic comment.

  • @LetsSingTheDoomSong

    @LetsSingTheDoomSong

    Ай бұрын

    ​@bluejar5614 doubt it, because it would be an 11 year old bot then

  • @PrincessPink433
    @PrincessPink4338 ай бұрын

    I never understood the controversy over a painting of a smiling woman haha, and I can’t believe he worked on a single painting for 16 years, that’s a lot of dedication! It was worth it though because it’s now the most famous painting (or work of art for that matter) in the world. I bet he’d be happy to see his art and other accomplishments being studied and celebrated all over the world, 500 years later.

  • @007EnglishAcademy

    @007EnglishAcademy

    7 ай бұрын

    on and off for 16 years - mostly off

  • @zsigzsag

    @zsigzsag

    5 ай бұрын

    I was never impressed by the painting. It's a nice painting but I see nothing extraordinary about it. I am more impressed by, Heron of Alexandria, (born 60ad) scientist, inventor, engineer and mathematician. He invented steam power. Historians say if he had invented an actual machine driven by his steam power, the Industrial Revolution would have taken place 2000 years ago.

  • @bluejar5614

    @bluejar5614

    4 ай бұрын

    ​@@zsigzsagIt's a nice painting, that's all.

  • @DumaM-ir7rk

    @DumaM-ir7rk

    Ай бұрын

    Sentimental value is something that humans underestimate but that’s what influence the market more than the commodity. Look at diamonds they are carbon material like coal. However someone made them valuable to humans when they are just useless stones. In industrial set up diamonds have purpose but for humans who glorify jewellery to this day that still intrigues me

  • @DumaM-ir7rk

    @DumaM-ir7rk

    Ай бұрын

    So last we I saw this documentary on KZread. It explain or shows that Lernado was actually painting the Alien race on Monalisa. This are the Gods who gave him all this intelligence and engineering skills

  • @leslieanne7467
    @leslieanne7467 Жыл бұрын

    The images emerge from the shadows it's unbelievable. What a genius!

  • @Derrick6162
    @Derrick6162 Жыл бұрын

    Documentaries like this are the reason why I love NOVA. Enjoyed, Thanks for sharing...❤

  • @Terence.Watkins
    @Terence.WatkinsАй бұрын

    I am almost 49 yrs old and never understood why people were so enamored by the Mona Lisa, now after watching this, i have to say i am now among them. Great work yall

  • @lyndaplaylist1
    @lyndaplaylist118 күн бұрын

    Fascinating look at one of our greatest geniuses and his most enigmatic portrait. Thank you for revealing the Mona Lisa in ways the general public will probably never see.

  • @missshroom5512
    @missshroom5512 Жыл бұрын

    I live next to Lake Huron and walk the trails everyday always wishing I could water color the lake and sky. This was so good. He was amazing 💙🌱🌷☀️

  • @maverickzero9638
    @maverickzero9638 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for putting these up free. I used to watch a lot of pbs growing up

  • @Felisa-ei2oj
    @Felisa-ei2oj3 ай бұрын

    How modern technology is harnessed to help us understand and appreciate Leonardo's artwork is indeed amazing! His ingenuity is magnified a thousand times!!!

  • @StephiSensei26
    @StephiSensei266 ай бұрын

    Spectacular! He studied his world, now the world studies him.

  • @dcallan812
    @dcallan812 Жыл бұрын

    What a great programme. Leonardo was a true Master.

  • @alanmichael6713

    @alanmichael6713

    11 ай бұрын

    kzread.info/dash/bejne/hpeN1cOnmaSqnLw.html

  • @jacconte3269
    @jacconte3269 Жыл бұрын

    I am inspired by Da Vinci’s work.

  • @corgeousgeorge
    @corgeousgeorgeАй бұрын

    The Science of art and the art of science really do come together so beautifully through Da Vinci's work and this delicately curated presentation of it is so well done. Also to see that even someone as Great as Da Vinci did not start out as refined and nuanced of an artist as years of work and experience helped him to become. Seeing the Mona Lisa held next to his earlier work of the portrait of one of the De Medici family really brings that to the fore.

  • @l.b.9522
    @l.b.952211 ай бұрын

    Am i the only one who COULD see where Mona Lisa's shoulder ends and the veil begins? Cause I was shocked to learn they couldn't. Loved and learned so much about Leonardo and art itself!

  • @frankviterise7333
    @frankviterise7333 Жыл бұрын

    I was looking for something to watch tonight once I saw this and it was Nova I knew I was in for excellent experience and a good watch no it never lets me down always excellent thank you. PBS Yes! I just love Nova

  • @mumblesbadly7708
    @mumblesbadly7708 Жыл бұрын

    I saw this painting when I visited the Louvre back in the early 2000s. And what struck me was how her eyes seemed to follow me around as I moved from the extreme left of the viewing angle to the extreme right. That following-eye-gaze is what struck me as the greatest mystery of the Mona Lisa, not her smile.

  • @vincentlussier8264

    @vincentlussier8264

    Жыл бұрын

    The fact that her eyes follow you is not at all unique! Look at any photo of any person looking into the lenz and you will see the same thing! You are meeting direct eye contact with a person in any such photo even a tv commercial. Try it and you'll see. This woman was looking into Davincis eyes when he painted her so she's also looking into yours at any angle!

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    @@vincentlussier8264 Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @mumblesbadly7708

    @mumblesbadly7708

    Жыл бұрын

    @@vincentlussier8264 But Da Vinci PAINTED that image. It took incredible skill on his part to make those painted shapes so effectively mimic what one could easily achieve with photography.

  • @ike789125

    @ike789125

    11 ай бұрын

    It works in this video too! in the segment they talk about her smile; keep her eyes in your peripheral vision

  • @CarloAldo

    @CarloAldo

    Ай бұрын

    Yeah, well cant see her smile properly. I'll bet she had bad teeth Leonardo- "Smile, properly Lisa, damn you!" Leonardo- "Arrgh! ok, just keep your mouth closed"

  • @Younglily4785
    @Younglily47853 ай бұрын

    As an artist, I am impressed on how Da vinci look into the world to have a perfect paint and his work ethic ❤

  • @cristinessi
    @cristinessiАй бұрын

    I just stumbled upon this video while watching random interesting vids here on YT, and can just say how much I appreciate Nova so much for putting up these videos for free? Thank you! You've earned a new subscriber.

  • @skylarkportraitstudio
    @skylarkportraitstudio Жыл бұрын

    While it is undoubtedly true that no one painted quite like Leonardo, I must admit that I've never found this one of his works very interesting for anything other than its superlative technique. In my opinion it is a brilliantly painted and mysteriously beguiling portrait of a not very famous woman that eventually became world famous for reasons even the world's most farsighted genius couldn't possibly have foreseen. More people flock to see it simply because it is world famous and not because they admire Leonardo's technical skill. For most of them, a fifteen-minute stay is more than enough. For some others, a lifetime of study will never be enough. I sadly fall into neither one of these two groups and so watched this excellent NOVA episode with both curiosity and bemusement.

  • @karenburrows9184

    @karenburrows9184

    Жыл бұрын

    Erik: I'm glad you said it so I didn't have to. I have stood in front of that painting in the Louvre, and it confirmed my feelings that Leonardo executed it almost under duress. It is soulless (what I suspect is the present-day 'enigmatic') compared to his other drawings and paintings, almost as if he was fulfilling a contract and was as disinterested in the woman as she was in him. He has drawn other women (and men/boys) with their souls shining in their faces, which will move you to tears every single time. For a man with, let us say, different proclivities, that is genius; to be able to see sublime beauty without prejudice. So many other of his works proclaim his genius rather than this one hackneyed example.

  • @JK-ze3dd

    @JK-ze3dd

    Жыл бұрын

    I was with you there being underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa, I think you mean "15 second stay" because you can't get close or even do much more than glance at it from a distance without major effort, while you're in the Louvre for crying out loud with amazing works of art everywhere, there's a crowd of people holding up their phones so they can get a picture above everyone's heads. I didn't even bother and thought the people there were just doing that to say they saw it, could get a much better picture of it on a postcard. Looking at the digital restoration though in this documentary, I suddenly got it though. This is a damn good painting. I enjoyed seeing it in all its beauty, and had fun focusing on different parts to catch the optical illusion of the grin. :) Don't focus on the hype.

  • @OdeInWessex

    @OdeInWessex

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree, it's famous because of a famous theft (or was it two?) that is actually more interesting than the painting. This painting is not equal to 'Lady with an Ermine' - a genuine work of genius.

  • @skylarkportraitstudio

    @skylarkportraitstudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JK-ze3dd No, it is indeed fifteen minutes. If you are in a tour group, the group is given a full fifteen minutes in front of it. If you are visiting it alone, I can see how you might think it was shorter, especially if you had to spend time fighting your way through a group in order to get a decent look at it.

  • @JP51ism

    @JP51ism

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JK-ze3dd Right. The part re: peripheral vision gave the clue to 'how' it's perceived differently ~ not so much due to the viewer's angle changing, but the eye's scanning it; the subtle shading sort of like subliminal suggestion leading to the perception of that crescent our brain 'reads' as a smile. But, otherwise, the picture is a 'meh' more famous for being famous. Too bad it is so 'sacred' so it won't get the varnish removal job, er, procedure; maybe next century.

  • @anna_in_aotearoa3166
    @anna_in_aotearoa3166 Жыл бұрын

    Great explanations of how an oil painting works & how renaissance artists built up their images, very straight-forward and welI-illustrated! Imagine that must've been really helpful for anybody without art or art history background?

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @SamH-em6sp
    @SamH-em6sp23 күн бұрын

    One of the most fascinating shows I've seen of late. Thank you

  • @dougiverson1519
    @dougiverson151924 күн бұрын

    Her eyes have always been the mystery for me. The part about peripheral vision and the smile was fascinating. Thank you.

  • @rebeccachapman4364
    @rebeccachapman436411 ай бұрын

    Thank you Nova for creating this video- a masterpiece itself

  • @badcat4707
    @badcat470711 ай бұрын

    Thank you PBS Nova 🙏 I used to watch your programs back in the days of analog television as a young person , but you got lost in Time and distractions . Now that I have found you again , I look forward to learning marvellous things from you once again ! and I already see a couple of Documentaries on the side bar which I expect I will enjoy as thoroughly as I did this one , again thank you . Subscription earned and added 🙏😺

  • @jillwiegand4257
    @jillwiegand4257Ай бұрын

    This talent and true ambition in every single thing he achieved is beyond rare ❤

  • @jayvee8914
    @jayvee89149 ай бұрын

    PBS documentaries are really some of the masterpieces among documentaries

  • @JonnoPlays
    @JonnoPlays Жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad that Nova covered this subject! Thank you!!

  • @84mvera
    @84mvera Жыл бұрын

    I like how they try using science and tech to understand and recreate Da Vinci's work but it's like playing a hologram of Jordan taking it to the house. Just isn't the same. One of a kind. Thanks Nova

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @kayetaylor5551
    @kayetaylor55515 ай бұрын

    Make part two please ..please...please make part two😳😬it's not finished...there is so much more to say and unveil to us...please don't leave me like this, your documentary was first class and even emotional ..YOU MADE ME CRY LOOKING AT THIS DOCUMENTARY...ok now I am begging😨you can't leave me like this...please Finish this documentary ...part two ...thank you thank you for part one....we all know there are other parts to be uncovered ❤️🌞🌜✨I really enjoyed how this was put together

  • @corgeousgeorge
    @corgeousgeorgeАй бұрын

    That Florent Florges dude has the most bright, soulful, kind eyes. Wow. He really draws you in when he speaks. I'd get lost in those eyes.

  • @jouhannaudjeanfrancois891
    @jouhannaudjeanfrancois891 Жыл бұрын

    I was impressed to learn that not only he is a great actor, Leonardo is also a great painter.

  • @joeppg

    @joeppg

    Жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @bennymatucan3351

    @bennymatucan3351

    Жыл бұрын

    😂

  • @novusseclorum9058

    @novusseclorum9058

    11 ай бұрын

    You are impressed? really? Did you ever do any research on this person? I`m not dissing just to be clear, it just doesn`t make sense to me how can someone in this day and age not be aware of this Genius`s capabilities.

  • @jouhannaudjeanfrancois891

    @jouhannaudjeanfrancois891

    11 ай бұрын

    @novus seclorum Sorry mate for my lack of culture. I saw Leonardo in "the beach", "Titanic" and many more movies, but i never ever heard of him as a painter, and a very good one!

  • @novusseclorum9058

    @novusseclorum9058

    11 ай бұрын

    @@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891 oh man, you are missing alot of amazing stuff! but the fact that you are willing to learn speaks volumes in this day and age! so you still have my respect!

  • @jadedspades
    @jadedspades Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful documentary. Brought a tear to thy eye. A good one.

  • @ada13
    @ada132 ай бұрын

    Thank you for showing us another angle of Leonard's personality and work

  • @carolspencer6915
    @carolspencer6915 Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating use of science and technology. 💜

  • @petermoralez7431
    @petermoralez7431 Жыл бұрын

    Only PBS could pull off such a beautiful documentary about one of the most important individuals to walk the Earth... Seldom is a genius recognized during their lives...not the case with da Vinci...the way PBS delivers...in the background the soundtrack is so subtle yet so in control based on beats per minute, the cadence of the narrator's voice, and of course the photography, or to be more precise, the lens...bravo OBS bravo... the peterman...by the way I named one of my cats sfumato, the other was Mozart...p...

  • @kermitefrog64
    @kermitefrog64 Жыл бұрын

    NOVA documentaries are a unique education that expands the consciousness of the audience.

  • @Yourmission9
    @Yourmission99 ай бұрын

    This was highly insightful, and I must say being an art restorer must be HUGELY overwhelming. Truly akin to trying to plop Apollo 11’s lunar lander on the Moon’s surface for the first time

  • @ayandey137

    @ayandey137

    8 ай бұрын

    Wsit a minute 🤔😳😱

  • @vishwa19anurag
    @vishwa19anurag8 ай бұрын

    It’s incredible how could a artist draw even without outlines !

  • @phillipmiller1008
    @phillipmiller1008 Жыл бұрын

    In Painting , each layer adds Dimensions to the final Product... Leonardo DeVinci was a Master at bringing out multiple Dimensions in all his works...

  • @terryeaster1
    @terryeaster18 ай бұрын

    Thank you PBS. This was an incredible hour of television

  • @caglozturk
    @caglozturk Жыл бұрын

    amazing documentary ! its a wonderful way to learn about these genius people, thank you so much for uploading.

  • @jodywho6696
    @jodywho6696 Жыл бұрын

    Thank You Very Much. I could write a book on all my thoughts. And the humor sprinkled in is so easy on the mind💙💜💚

  • @EleyReiHer
    @EleyReiHer2 ай бұрын

    I love Leonardo da Vinci. He do tons of studies before proceeding to the next step

  • @sarahdennard2954
    @sarahdennard29545 ай бұрын

    I was able to visit with "the Mona" in June of 1970, my mother and I. I am womdering how his relationship with his mother affected his painting...the vanishing line, the illusive smile, etc.

  • @chriseradley6083
    @chriseradley6083 Жыл бұрын

    I would rename this 'Decoding the Mona Lisa'. He had so much more than just this and an hour isn't enough time to properly cover all of his genius.

  • @roxanamcglinchey6613

    @roxanamcglinchey6613

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree with you 💯%

  • @FilipposMarinakis

    @FilipposMarinakis

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha! Do you know that the Mona Lisa is decoded officially since 2018, and this PBS documentary only pretends that they don't know about it?...

  • @joemoses56
    @joemoses5611 ай бұрын

    A heartfelt thanks for the dedicated work on the masterpiece of Leonardo for all the art lovers to enjoy. Now I understand a glimpse of the dedication of the artist to paint the masterpiece. May Yehovah Elohim bless you all who did it, abundantly.

  • @Historico1293
    @Historico12935 ай бұрын

    I've always been curious about this historical period. Thanks for providing such a well-researched and engaging video.

  • @munisakya4883
    @munisakya488311 ай бұрын

    Leonardo da Vinci the greatest artist of the world just fascinates me & many even after 500 years? the greatest picture of Mona Lisa !

  • @user-gx8nf8cf9s
    @user-gx8nf8cf9s6 ай бұрын

    Amazing ! Leonardo was and remains a unique and unrepeatable Genuis Thanks for the doc..👍

  • @IsaacConejo
    @IsaacConejo2 ай бұрын

    I got to say this painting is ... Chilling. I love it! And after this insite and point of view. I know I'm not the only one who felt it. .

  • @chrissyrocco796
    @chrissyrocco7965 ай бұрын

    I love these documentaries. Leonardo was a genius.

  • @diegovillalobos5364
    @diegovillalobos5364 Жыл бұрын

    What a masterful documentary! Thanks so much

  • @goodiesgumdrops1164
    @goodiesgumdrops1164 Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating! Now I'm going to watch it again!❤

  • @andrewtongue7084
    @andrewtongue7084 Жыл бұрын

    Da Vinci (in my opinion) was the most authentic artisan we shall ever bear witness to.....I was first captivated by his 'Vetruvian Man'....only later did I come to fully appreciate Mona Lisa - & not jus the enigmatic smile; his innovations were ground-breaking - to state he was far ahead of his time, would be the grossest understatement imaginable. I am somewhat intrigued by his utilisation of a cow's ligaments in, 'The Great Lady', rather than the broad & round ligaments that support the Uterine structure of the human female form, but that's the Physician in me speaking. Nova's rendition of this man's plethora of works is superlative.

  • @gianfrancofronzi8368
    @gianfrancofronzi836811 ай бұрын

    There's something with that smile on the Mona Lisa, it could say anything. A true gem in the world of painting.

  • @NONANTI

    @NONANTI

    6 ай бұрын

    I always saw it more as a smirk. Can you imagine posing for 16 years? "Can I see it?" "I told you, not until I'm finished Mona."

  • @CarloAldo

    @CarloAldo

    Ай бұрын

    @@NONANTI Yeah. it's a smirk alright. She got no teeth.

  • @anthony_ros

    @anthony_ros

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@NONANTIUre so funny 😅

  • @johnshields6852
    @johnshields6852 Жыл бұрын

    Cool, the x-ray image is haunting.

  • @jeffgualandijr9420
    @jeffgualandijr942014 күн бұрын

    so much more fascinating than i originally thought.

  • @yorlingrivera2562
    @yorlingrivera256211 ай бұрын

    I saw this painting when I visited the Lovre last year ,her eyes was so impressive I felt she was looking straight to my soul.

  • @jt9498
    @jt9498 Жыл бұрын

    Quite interesting and enlightening! I've always been fascinated by the Mona Lisa.

  • @circlef4256

    @circlef4256

    10 ай бұрын

    the stupidity and idiocy of people who are watching these sorts of videos to fill their heads with bullshit.

  • @andycpd6669
    @andycpd6669 Жыл бұрын

    Could you imagine what he could do if he was alive these days 🤔

  • @nipulkradmsinatagras8293
    @nipulkradmsinatagras829311 ай бұрын

    *It only proves the fact that* Leonardo da Vinci *was virtually way ahead of our time.*

  • @1tarawho
    @1tarawho11 ай бұрын

    Leonard should be taught, in depth, in all schools around the world. His insight regarding the world around him has always fascinated me. I have always had my own thoughts and opinions about Leonard's art work. I have always thought that the Mona Lisa is the true face of Jesus, and that Leonardo painted the portrait as a woman, with that sly smile, to let us know that men and women are equal. In his day, he would have to hide his theories in his art because if he spoke his opinions verbally, he probably would have been killed. The rabbit hole is deep friends. I also believe in the ancient astronaut theory and feel Leonardo did as well from what is apparent in some of his paintings with the virgin Mary and UFOs in them❤. I would have loved to have talked to this brilliant man during his time.

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    11 ай бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning revealed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @suemacias667
    @suemacias667 Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating! Enjoyed this . Thsnks!

  • @es1653
    @es16532 ай бұрын

    Excellent! Thank you. I would love to learn more about the chemistry of pigments and various varnishes and how they age, in a warm climate or a cold, damp climate.

  • @betty5064
    @betty506411 ай бұрын

    I saw the Mona Lisa many years ago as s student. We got up very early and made it to the painting before the crowds. Just us. It was really interesting to be able to have a good look, You could get closer in those days.

  • @paular6759
    @paular6759 Жыл бұрын

    The part about peripheral vision was particularly intriguing, and made me wonder if science could find a cure for my RBF. Why are some faces just not able to convey a passive smile?

  • @todaycanyoudigit1111

    @todaycanyoudigit1111

    Жыл бұрын

    Mona Lisa meaning exposed kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zmed1rKsnsqsp6Q.html

  • @MrJayPuff
    @MrJayPuff Жыл бұрын

    Excellent doc

  • @thurayya8905
    @thurayya890511 ай бұрын

    Once I see a NOVA program, everything I consider is changed. That's the hallmark of knowledge.

  • @miriammaldonado7296
    @miriammaldonado729610 ай бұрын

    There's a lot history and details about Leonardo Da Vinci's art, for a time there's was a bit of confusion whether Mona Lisa painting belong to Italy or France.. I guess the solution has not been solved but thanks to French we're still able to appreciate it.. The landscape is a strong reference of those two paintings as if they belong to the same era and place.. Amazing documentary, thanks for sharing your input! #2023 ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

  • @salate0000
    @salate00008 ай бұрын

    Hope museums are taking steps to protect art behind the thick glass against maniacs of today.

  • @deborahdespault4581
    @deborahdespault4581 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this great documentary ❤

  • @user-cp4nm5ce4y
    @user-cp4nm5ce4y3 ай бұрын

    I think, this NOVA is the best in giving details of something

  • @kkura.sakura04
    @kkura.sakura045 ай бұрын

    42:23 "can I keep that" BEST PART OF THE WHOLE DOCUMENTARY

  • @Tmanaz480
    @Tmanaz480 Жыл бұрын

    Wait... look at 43:15 again. When you look away, it's not just her smile that appears. Her eyes narrow like when prople smile. Try it.

  • @jadedspades

    @jadedspades

    Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful.

  • @adambell698
    @adambell698 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I try and explain this process and theology it others in real life and get the “ok” face. Keep up the good work, and tell heckle fish to be careful. As a veteran on the US military, those guys are listening.

  • @user-sm7fy4tr8x
    @user-sm7fy4tr8x5 ай бұрын

    one of the best documentaries I have ever seen...

  • @shutupandcolor
    @shutupandcolor Жыл бұрын

    15:32 Florence produces the TMNT

  • @kelvinnance8371
    @kelvinnance8371 Жыл бұрын

    Enlightening, and thrilling. Thank you for so wonderful a presentation.

Келесі