Ep 21. Decoding da Vinci

In the season 48 episode 21 of NOVA titled "Decoding da Vinci," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey of discovery into the mind of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Widely considered one of the most brilliant minds in human history, Da Vinci was famed not just for his incredible art but also for his scientific and engineering innovations. He was a true polymath and Renaissance man, constantly taking on challenging projects and pushing the bounds of human knowledge in all fields.

Despite his incredible achievements, however, there is still much that we don't know about da Vinci. His life was shrouded in mystery and many of his most groundbreaking ideas were left incomplete or lost to history. In "Decoding da Vinci," NOVA attempts to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge by exploring some of the most iconic elements of da Vinci's legacy.

One of the areas that NOVA focuses on is da Vinci's art. Although he completed fewer than 20 paintings in his lifetime, da Vinci's works are considered some of the most important and influential in the world. In this episode, viewers are treated to an up-close look at some of da Vinci's most famous paintings, including the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." Expert art historians and conservationists weigh in on the meaning and significance of these works, offering fresh insights into da Vinci's artistic genius.

In addition to his art, NOVA also delves into da Vinci's scientific pursuits. For many, it's da Vinci's contributions to science and engineering that truly set him apart as a genius. From his studies of anatomy and physiology to his inventions of flying machines and war engines, da Vinci was fascinated by the workings of the natural world and the potential for human innovation.

One of the most fascinating scientific topics covered in this episode is da Vinci's work on optics and the human eye. Experts analyze some of da Vinci's sketches and notes on the eye, showing how he was able to correctly identify the way that light enters the eye and is processed by the brain. This was a groundbreaking discovery at the time, and it's just one example of how da Vinci was able to merge his artistic eye with his scientific curiosity to great effect.

Throughout "Decoding da Vinci," NOVA also explores some of the lesser-known aspects of da Vinci's life. For instance, viewers learn about the close relationship that he had with one of his students, Salai, who may have inspired some of da Vinci's most intimate and emotional works. There's also discussion of da Vinci's fascination with the natural world, and how he often drew inspiration from the plants and animals around him.

Overall, "Decoding da Vinci" is a fascinating exploration of one of history's greatest minds. This episode offers viewers a chance to delve into the art, science, and history of da Vinci's life and legacy, uncovering new insights and shedding light on some of the enduring mysteries of this Renaissance man. For anyone interested in the intersection of art and science, or in the life of one of history's greatest geniuses, "Decoding da Vinci" is not to be missed.