Not Just the Tudors: Leonardo da Vinci with Ken Burns

Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Ken Burns
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb engages in an enlightening conversation with acclaimed American filmmaker Ken Burns. The discussion delves deep into Leonardo da Vinci's multifaceted genius, exploring his contributions to art, science, and beyond. The episode not only celebrates Leonardo's unparalleled legacy but also highlights Ken Burns' latest documentary that brings this Renaissance master to life with unprecedented detail and artistry.

Ken Burns' Journey to Leonardo da Vinci

[04:28] Ken Burns:
Ken explains that his foray into Leonardo da Vinci was inspired by his friend, biographer Walter Isaacson. Despite initially hesitating due to his focus on American subjects, Burns was persuaded to embrace Leonardo's universal genius.

"Walter, stop. And I went out and after dinner talked to my daughter and son-in-law and they said, let's do it." [04:28]

He emphasizes the challenge of portraying a pre-photographic figure, relying on Leonardo's extensive sketches and writings to bring authenticity to the narrative.

Leonardo da Vinci: A Polymath Beyond Compare

Ken paints a vivid picture of Leonardo as a visionary whose work transcended traditional boundaries. From his renowned paintings like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper to his pioneering studies in anatomy, engineering, and natural sciences, Leonardo embodied the Renaissance ideal of the "universal man."

[08:34] Ken Burns:

"There is as much science in the Mona Lisa as there is art."
"He's working on physics and engineering and geometry and anatomy. These are really innovative at the time." [23:20]

Burns highlights Leonardo's ability to fuse art and science, illustrating how his detailed dissections and mechanical sketches were centuries ahead of their time, anticipating discoveries that modern science only validated much later.

Filmmaking Without Traditional Archives

Professor Lipscomb praises Ken Burns for his innovative approach to filmmaking, especially in the absence of direct archival footage of Leonardo. Instead, Burns utilizes close-ups of Leonardo's hand as he writes, his intricate sketches, and dynamic representations of nature to create a vivid portrayal of the man.

[07:49] Professor Suzannah Lipscomb:

"You didn't have someone being him in any other way... it's such a powerful combination. It's a really compelling watch." [07:49]

Burns discusses the meticulous process of blending Leonardo's artwork with modern cinematography to evoke the essence of his genius without relying on traditional biographical footage.

Leonardo's Early Life and Training

The conversation shifts to Leonardo's upbringing in Tuscany, born out of wedlock in 1452. Despite societal limitations, Leonardo's illegitimate status propelled him towards a path of self-education and boundless curiosity.

[13:10] Ken Burns:

"Because he was born out of wedlock, is not able to do that. He lives in the tiny little village west of Florence called Vinci... He's first exposed to this kind of observational, this insistence on seeing the world and understanding it in a microcosm and in macrocosm." [13:10]

Burns emphasizes how Leonardo's non-academic upbringing allowed him to explore a diverse range of interests, blending observational skills with experimental methods influenced by both Western and Muslim scholars.

Leonardo's Artistic Innovations

Ken delves into Leonardo's groundbreaking contributions to art, particularly his ability to infuse scientific precision into his paintings.

[08:34] Ken Burns:

"Sometimes we think, oh, he invented the helicopter, he did this, he did that... he is trying to square the circle all the time."
"He's arguably the greatest painter. He's certainly the painter of the most famous work of art in the history of the world, the Mona Lisa." [08:34]

He discusses how Leonardo's use of techniques like sfumato in the Mona Lisa not only advanced artistic methods but also captured the enigmatic human emotion, making his work timeless and universally revered.

Leonardo's Personal Life and Legacy

The episode addresses Leonardo's personal life, including his relationship with his companion Salai and the charges of sodomy that were eventually suppressed.

[27:10] Ken Burns:

"We have to say, most probably this is the historian's, I think, honest dodge... everything is complicated." [27:10]

Burns navigates the delicate subject of Leonardo's sexuality with scholarly restraint, acknowledging the historical evidence while respecting the limitations of definitive conclusions. He underscores the importance of viewing Leonardo as a whole person, embracing the complexities and contradictions that make his legacy so rich.

The Enduring Impact of Leonardo da Vinci

Professor Lipscomb and Ken Burns explore how Leonardo's relentless curiosity and interdisciplinary approach continue to inspire contemporary thinkers and creators.

[31:41] Ken Burns:

"He stands there as somebody farther along the path saying, you can do it. Come along. Keep watching, keep observing, keep experimenting, keep loving." [31:41]

Burns reflects on Leonardo's timeless relevance, asserting that Leonardo's spirit of inquiry and innovation serves as a beacon for future generations. His portrayal emphasizes that Leonardo's work is not just historical artifacts but living inspirations that encourage ongoing exploration and creativity.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on Leonardo's unparalleled genius and his unique place in human history. Ken Burns articulates a vision of Leonardo as both a singular figure and a representative of the boundless potential within all individuals.

[42:10] Ken Burns:

"These are fundamental questions he's asking every single day. And I think to the extent that we hear his words and see his art, then we are ourselves given the possibility to grow in a way that he would want us." [42:10]

Professor Lipscomb expresses her admiration for the film, encouraging listeners to experience the documentary to fully grasp the depth of Leonardo's legacy.

[39:25] Professor Suzannah Lipscomb:

"Do check out a wonderful episode we did on Michelangelo and a more recent look at Lorenzo de Medici the Magnificent." [39:25]

Notable Quotes

• Ken Burns [04:28]:
  "Walter, stop. And I went out and after dinner talked to my daughter and son-in-law and they said, let's do it."

• Ken Burns [08:34]:
  "There is as much science in the Mona Lisa as there is art."

• Ken Burns [13:10]:
  "Because he was born out of wedlock, is not able to do that. He lives in the tiny little village west of Florence called Vinci... He's first exposed to this kind of observational, this insistence on seeing the world and understanding it in a microcosm and in macrocosm."

• Ken Burns [27:10]:
  "We have to say, most probably this is the historian's, I think, honest dodge... everything is complicated."

• Ken Burns [31:41]:
  "He stands there as somebody farther along the path saying, you can do it. Come along. Keep watching, keep observing, keep experimenting, keep loving."

Final Thoughts

Not Just the Tudors successfully broadens its historical lens to include one of history's most enigmatic figures, Leonardo da Vinci. Through the insightful dialogue between Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Ken Burns, listeners gain a profound appreciation for Leonardo's enduring influence and the innovative storytelling that brings his story to life. Whether you are a history enthusiast or new to Leonardo's legacy, this episode offers a rich, engaging exploration of a man whose genius continues to resonate through the ages.

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