Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description
inventing leonardo da vinci
Instructor(s): Michael Orr, Art History
An interdisciplinary investigation into the historical phenomenon that is Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). Commonly described as an unrivaled Renaissance genius who was ahead of his time, Leonardo continues to attract enormous attention, as evidenced by the more than 250 books on him that were published in conjunction with the celebration of his quincentennial in 2019. How can we explain the enduring fascination for and popularity of Leonardo? Over the course of the semester, we will consider insights provided by the perspectives of art history, biography, scientific and technical analysis (including geological and neurological approaches), sexuality and gender studies, psychoanalysis, and cultural and media studies to understand the myths and evidence that underlie Leonardo’s reputation.
Course Offered: 2026