From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-- Another addition to a series in which Venezia introduces children to artists, illustrating his points with a combination of his own cartoons and the artist's work. The information is basic and limited, containing no more biographic data than an encyclopedia article. However, the light touch, combined with well-chosen examples, does make it attractive and personable. The cartoons are a bit jarring, but should appeal to children while reinforcing some of the more interesting aspects of da Vinci's life. The book indicates, but does not cover, the work he did as an inventor, architect, scientist, sculptor, etc. While not particularly useful for reports, it serves as an introduction to the artist who used his knowledge of nature to make his paintings seem alive. Many of Venezia's comments about the paintings are general rather than specific. For instance, he states that the special way da Vinci placed the men around the table in The Last Supper "gives them a feeling of movement," but offers no further explanation. Ernest Raboff's Leonardo da Vinci (Lippincott, 1987) gives more detailed analysis of such points and is more challenging and perceptive, but this is a useful first look for younger children. --Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public LibraryCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Card catalog description
Traces the life of the Renaissance artist and analyses some of his paintings.
Da Vinci ANNOTATION
Traces the life of the Renaissance artist and analyses some of his paintings.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
An excellent introduction to celebrated artists and their work. Full-color reproductions of the actual paintings are enhanced by Venezia's clever illustrations and story line. Young readers will look at the different paintings and see how the artists' style changed over the years. More important, the reader can enjoy a light, yet realistic overview of the life of each artist.
Leonardo was also an architect, musician, inventor, and mathematician.
FROM THE CRITICS
School Library Journal
Gr 2-5-- Another addition to a series in which Venezia introduces children to artists, illustrating his points with a combination of his own cartoons and the artist's work. The information is basic and limited, containing no more biographic data than an encyclopedia article. However, the light touch, combined with well-chosen examples, does make it attractive and personable. The cartoons are a bit jarring, but should appeal to children while reinforcing some of the more interesting aspects of da Vinci's life. The book indicates, but does not cover, the work he did as an inventor, architect, scientist, sculptor, etc. While not particularly useful for reports, it serves as an introduction to the artist who used his knowledge of nature to make his paintings seem alive. Many of Venezia's comments about the paintings are general rather than specific. For instance, he states that the special way da Vinci placed the men around the table in The Last Supper ``gives them a feeling of movement,'' but offers no further explanation. Ernest Raboff's Leonardo da Vinci (Lippincott, 1987) gives more detailed analysis of such points and is more challenging and perceptive, but this is a useful first look for younger children. --Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public Library
Art & Photography
Book Info
