Da Vinci (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists) (Paperback)

by Mike Venezia (Author) "Leonardo da Vinci was born in the small Italian town of Vinci in 1452..." (more)
Key Phrases: Art Resource, Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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 Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Review
"The excellent-quality reproductions do a great deal to enhance and extend the text." --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Press(CT); New edition edition (September 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0516422758
• ISBN-13: 978-0516422756
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,552 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars da Vinci's realistic paintings makes art real for the young, June 8, 2000

By	Kathryn R. Ziemnik (OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Leonardo used what he learned from nature and science to make his paintings look real", p 9

The young reader will learn about Leonardo's beginnings in Vinci, the time he spent in Florence learning more about painting, his painting years in Milan and his final years of painting in France.

Leonardo's depictions were noticeable more "alive" than his Renaissance contemporaries. His use of beautiful backgrounds behind the main object of attention makes this a good choice for the young. Their attention will initially be drawn to the main figure in the painting and then will be sustained by the natural settings in the background. His paintings almost appear that they are done while the person being painted in on vacation. The young will intuitively pick up on the relaxed composure of the main figures

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His illustration of some folks deciphering Leonardo's notes and their findings is cleverly presented.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 4th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Mike's portrait was painted by an artist who claims to be a direct descendant of ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: da Vinci's Paintings (10.5), Drawings (8) and Underpainings (2), Venezia's Illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 1.5.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I used to read the series in elementary school..., January 20, 2002

By	"danielle037" (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Da Vinci (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists) (Library Binding)

Mike Venezia's books on the greatest artists of all time are off the chain! He make his books more interesting for kids under 10. This one about Italian Renaissance artist Di Vinci is probably one of his famous ones. (Since Di Vinci is famous for his painting called the "Mona Lisa" 1503-1506). This book contains famous paintings (some with details) from Di Vinci including the deteriation of the tempera "The Last Supper" (1498), from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Each book includes back cover illustration of Venezia. His books are small steps to learn about each artist. The series also includes Venezia's comic illustrations. In high school art history, the reader will learn more detail about the artists that the author couldn't tell you (like I did).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific books about art for kids, May 7, 2006

By	Debra Yoo (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I often have looked for kid-oriented books about art and artists, and usually end up putting them back on the shelf. This series by Mike Venezia was a hit with me (an artist)AND my grandchildren. They're witty but not cutesy, the information in them is actually well and interestingly explained in language a child can understand, and I enjoyed reading them myself!