Artist, scientist and inventor, Lennardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is a titan of Western civilization. The quintessential Renaissance man, Leonardo's diverse talents place him among history's greatest painters,draughtsmen and thinkers. His influence on art is immeasurable and he has created some of the most enduring images in all art history - his Mona Lisa is perhaps the most famous painting in the world.

This new addition to Phaidon's best-selling Colour Library series on the great masters and move-ments in art contains 48 colour plates of Leonardo's most exceptional works including: Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and the Virgin of the Rod's, as well as many of his remarkable studies, plans and sketches. The illustrations are accompanied by an insightful essay and detailed explanatory notes on each plate by respected specialist Patricia Emison.