Leonardo da Vinci and the Microcosm Macrocosm: Anatomy, Vision, and Nature in His Notebooks

Overview

In a Royal Institution lecture, Martin Kemp explores Leonardo da Vinci's integrated approach to science and art. He discusses Leonardo's manic, cross-disciplinary method, his eye for connections across anatomy, geometry, engineering and painting, and how the manuscripts reveal a relentless drive to capture nature in movement.

Key Points

• The theme sheet and the microcosm macrocosm motif anchor Leonardo’s thinking.
• Drawings of the vascular system, heart valves, bronchi and other anatomical features illustrate a unified approach to body and earth.
• Manuscripts such as the Codex Leicester and Arundel Codex demonstrate how Leonardo linked theory, observation and demonstration.

Looking Forward

The talk also touches on how modern AI tools might model Leonardo’s method of seeing through structure across disciplines.

Introduction and Context