As part of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, the da Vinci Dialogues invites audiences to explore the rich history, art, and ideas of the Renaissance through engaging talks by leading scholars.
Da Vinci and other artistic geniuses of the Renaissance through the eyes of Georgio Vasari (1550) (Da Vinci and the Renaissance Masters: Vasari’s View)
Dr. Chris Nighman, from Wilfrid Laurier University, examines the writings of Giorgio Vasari, the celebrated 16th-century artist, architect, and author of Lives of the Artists (1550), considered the first major work of modern art history.
Through key passages from Vasari’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci, attendees will discover fascinating insights into Leonardo’s life, his artistic achievements, and Vasari’s perspective on some of his greatest masterpieces. The lecture will also highlight Vasari’s reflections on other renowned artists of the Italian Renaissance, placing Leonardo within the broader cultural and artistic landscape of his time.
Presented in conjunction with Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, this talk complements the immersive exhibition experience, which brings Leonardo’s extraordinary world to life through interactive inventions, life-sized recreations by Italian artisans, and captivating multimedia environments. Together, the exhibition and the Da Vinci Dialogues celebrate Leonardo’s enduring legacy of curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Chris Nighman received his PhD in History from the University of Toronto in 1996 and has taught medieval, Renaissance, and early modern history at Wilfrid Laurier University since 1997. His research focuses on the intellectual history of the early Italian Renaissance and the transmission of ancient and medieval literature through anthologies known as florilegia.
Admission to this event includes admission to THEMUSEUM.