Imagine, if thou wilt, Leonardo da Vinci himself discoursing upon the arts of the Renaissance, speaking of the masters who shaped his hand, or answering questions about the winding path of his life.
In these Chautauqua‑style lectures, I appear in full costume and in the very character of Leonardo, offering a lively presentation followed by a session wherein thou mayst inquire freely and receive his replies.
I pray thee, contact me for presentation fees, schedule and any other questions.
The Chautauqua lectures currently available are as follows:
- The Renaissance – How and why it began, highlights of the Renaissance, and an overview of how the era changed the world.
- Leonardo da Vinci – An overview of his life: how he started, highlights of his art and science, his personal motivations and growth.
Sample Clips
Watch Leonardo with live samples from Chatauqua lectures
I am even now crafting a host of new subjects for these presentations. Cast thine eye upon the list provided, and tell me which topic thou wouldst have Leonardo bring to thy school, library, retirement community, or any place where eager minds gather…
- Leonardo’s paintings – Background and analysis of some his most famous and interesting works.
- The Mona Lisa – Who was she? Why this is the most famous painting in the world, how Leonardo’s life work is represented in this masterpiece and much more…
- Patrons and commissions – Who were Leonardo’s patrons? What pieces were he commissioned for and why?
- Leonardo in person – An exploration of Leonardo’s personal life. What was he like? How did he work? Rumors of his sexuality. There is not a lot of concrete information, but many fascinating clues to explore.
- Leonardo’s motivations – What drove the most extraordinary and creative mind in history? What were his motivations and goals? How did they change and how was his greatest strength also his greatest weakness?
- Science and Art, Art and Science – Was Leonardo an artist or a scientist? He didn’t distinguish between the two, but instead let one discipline inform the other.
- Connections – It is said that genius is the ability to make connections that other people don’t make. Leonardo is a perfect example of cross curricular education: all the seemingly separated school subjects are interwoven with each other. How can Leonardo’s example inform our education today?
- Leonardo as a student – Who did the maestro learn from? He did not have access to formal education. How did he learn, both as a youth and through his life?
- The warring states – In a constantly warring region, we explore Leonardo’s innovative war machines and patrons who’s mind was often concerned with war.
- Leonardo’s family – How his heritage and family affected his life as a youth and into adulthood. He never married, but we’ll also look at his relationship with a couple of his very close apprentices.
- Leonardo’s failures – He achieved so much because he tried so much, resulting in plenty of failures. Most people know of Leonardo’s successes, but what about his failures? And how do they help to create better successes?
- Polymath – Leonardo was a genius, not just in one field, but across many. This was a creative blessing, and also a curse. How did Leonardo sometimes get in his own way?
- Dress and deference – How did people dress? The clothing of the Renaissance was not just fashion, but law. We’ll also look at the extremely important laws of deference: who bowed to who, how and why?
- Art supplies – The art materials of the Renaissance. What was the convention before and during the Renaissance? What did Leonardo use and what did he experiment with?
- Underdog – A bastard with no formal education became the greatest innovator and artist of history. How?
- The codices (sketchbooks) – Examining the numerous codices of Leonardo da Vinci. How are they divided? How and why were they compiled? What’s in them?
- Leonardo’s multidisciplinary genius – Most people know of a few famous paintings and inventions, but what else did he accomplish through his life? It might surprise you.
- A day in the life – experience theatrical snapshots and vignettes through Leonardo’s life based on written accounts.
- The land – How Geography and the natural world helped to create & affect the Renaissance.
- Music – Instruments of the Renaissance and what Leonardo played. Hear the playing of live instruments including the guitar, lutekelele, recorder, sacbut and bohran.
- How to think like Leonardo da Vinci – Learn how the greatest creative mind in history thought and worked. Apply his principles to your education and life.