More than five centuries after his passing, the artistic and intellectual legacy of Leonardo da Vinci continues to permeate contemporary culture. The iconic “Mona Lisa” recently inspired a unique Lego set, while the artwork played a pivotal role in Rian Johnson’s film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” A notable reference to his famous “The Last Supper” during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony has reignited public interest in its rich historical context, and his “Vitruvian Man” remains a quintessential image in anatomy classrooms worldwide. Da Vinci’s impact is undeniably vast and varied, exemplifying how art transcends time and continues to inspire creative minds today.

The Italian Renaissance artist, who created approximately only 20 paintings during his lifetime, epitomizes the notion of a visionary ahead of his era. His remarkable talent and innovative spirit make him a quintessential subject for celebrated documentarian Ken Burns, who has dedicated his career to exploring historical figures. More than any of his previous documentary subjects, Burns believes that da Vinci would have thrived in the modern world, leveraging contemporary advancements to further his insatiable curiosity and creative endeavors. The filmmaker’s admiration for da Vinci serves as a reminder of the artist’s timeless relevance and the potential for continuous exploration in art and science.

“Among all the historical figures I’ve encountered, he would be the least surprised to find himself in our present day,” Burns shares with Variety. “His curiosity would lead him to ask how we achieved monumental feats like landing on the moon, questioning, ‘What about the gravity factor?’” da Vinci’s innate inquisitiveness and ability to connect disparate ideas make him a fascinating figure to study, particularly as we navigate an increasingly complex world. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding continues to resonate, urging us all to embrace a similar curiosity in our own lives.

In an exciting new two-part documentary airing on PBS, co-directed by Ken Burns’ daughter Sarah Burns and son-in-law David McMahon, the filmmakers step outside of their usual focus on American history to delve into the life of a man who existed long before the United States even became a concept. This exploration of da Vinci promises to illuminate many facets of his life and work, revealing the depth of his genius and his contributions to various fields. The documentary offers a fresh perspective on how the principles and ideas of the Renaissance continue to influence contemporary thought and culture.

“It was an incredible release that this inquisitive, restless individual bestowed upon us,” Ken remarks. “We often become preoccupied with the image of the wizened old man with a beard, the Gandalf figure of Leonardo. Yet, this oversimplification detracts from the joyful essence of who he truly was. Unlike Michelangelo, who is often portrayed as a tortured artist, da Vinci embodies a remarkable presence filled with endless curiosity, always questioning and exploring everything around him.” By emphasizing da Vinci’s inquisitive nature, the documentary seeks to present a holistic view of an artist whose contributions extended far beyond the canvas.

Initially, Ken was hesitant to consider a documentary about da Vinci, a suggestion made by historian and biographer Walter Isaacson. He believed it fell outside his primary area of expertise. However, after discussions with Sarah and McMahon, he was persuaded to broaden his creative horizons, a mindset da Vinci would likely have endorsed. “It’s true what they say: this old dog can indeed learn new tricks,” Ken reflects, illustrating his transformation in perspective and willingness to explore new narratives. This openness is what drives the documentary’s exploration of da Vinci’s multidimensional genius.

The documentary, now available for streaming on PBS.org and local PBS affiliates, compellingly argues that da Vinci is perhaps the greatest painter to have ever lived. Few would contest this assertion, given that his iconic works remain among the most recognized and replicated pieces of art in history. Yet, the film emphasizes that da Vinci was not merely a masterful painter; he was also one of humanity’s greatest thinkers, characterized by a relentless thirst for knowledge. With contributions ranging from early designs of flying machines to intricate anatomical sketches of the human circulatory system, da Vinci exemplified a lifelong commitment to learning and exploration, even when society was not ready for his groundbreaking insights.

“To me, the essence of his narrative lies in the fact that many of his pursuits held little significance during his lifetime,” Ken explains. “He discovered how the human heart functions and constructed models based on ox hearts and human dissections. Thanks to his efforts, we learned there are four chambers in the heart instead of the two chambers proposed by the Greek physician Galen over 1,300 years prior. He understood how the valves operated, yet this knowledge served no practical purpose in 16th-century Italy, where cardiology was an unknown field. da Vinci possessed insights about the heart long before the invention of the microscope or telescope, showcasing his visionary intellect.” This understanding of his work highlights da Vinci‘s unparalleled foresight and the profound impact of his contributions to medical knowledge.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, featured in the documentary, asserts in the second episode that da Vinci “embodies the questions of the universe.” However, these inquiries did not perish with him in 1519 at the age of 67. He meticulously documented thousands of pages filled with questions and reflections, accompanied by intricate sketches that delve deeply into his thoughts. Lacking photographs or archival footage to illustrate his life—a hallmark of the Burns family’s documentary style—these notebooks became the filmmakers’ guiding star, as McMahon describes it, in unraveling the complexities of this enigmatic figure. The exploration of these notebooks invites viewers to appreciate the intricacies of da Vinci‘s intellectual pursuits and creative processes.

“We are reflecting Leonardo back to the audience,” Sarah explains. “The challenge becomes: how can we authentically represent him? By utilizing the notebooks to delve into his psyche, we begin the film by immersing ourselves in his perspective, creating a narrative that feels like we are exploring his mind, contemplating what he saw, and drawing extraordinary connections across various disciplines and the natural world.” This innovative approach not only engages viewers but also encourages them to ponder the vastness of da Vinci‘s thought processes and the interconnectedness of knowledge across fields.

To vividly recreate the world as da Vinci would have perceived it, the filmmakers employ split-screen techniques to visually interpret his notes. By juxtaposing stunning imagery of natural phenomena, such as flowing streams and the graceful flapping of birds, with his intricate sketches, they effectively illustrate the complex ideas of motion and gravity that captivated da Vinci. He often tinkered with designs for inventions he never constructed, yet when viewed through a contemporary lens, many of these concepts appear surprisingly familiar. For instance, his fascination with flight led him to conceptualize designs that might have rivaled the innovative work of the Wright Brothers in their time.

“His mind was essentially forecasting so much of what we now understand,” Ken observes. “He invites us, in many ways, to dream, and we have translated da Vinci‘s dreams into tangible realities.” This commentary reinforces the notion that Leonardo da Vinci‘s visionary ideas were not merely fanciful; they have laid the groundwork for many modern innovations and continue to inspire future generations to explore the realms of possibility.

Across the four-hour documentary, da Vinci‘s artistic journey unfolds as a captivating exploration of discovery and innovation. Collaborating with Big Star Animation, the filmmakers digitally recreate the meticulous process by which da Vinci conceptualized some of his most celebrated masterpieces. The first episode culminates in a step-by-step animation of “The Last Supper,” illustrating how geometric lines were employed to craft a sense of symmetrical drama among the disciples gathered at Christ’s table. For da Vinci, mathematics was inseparable from artistry, showcasing his unique ability to blend science and creativity seamlessly.

“We faced the challenge of not wanting to reveal the painting at the outset of a narrative dedicated to its creation and the years it took to complete,” McMahon states. “Thus, we aimed for a grand reveal at the end of that story. The animated sequence achieves several objectives, particularly in conveying the passage of time. Viewers see sunlight shift across the space, witness the scaffolding being erected, and observe the various layers of paint applied to the wall.” This dynamic storytelling approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also deepens appreciation for the complexity behind da Vinci‘s artistic process.

In terms of interpreting da Vinci‘s works, the documentary enlists a diverse panel of experts, including art historians, painters, theater directors, filmmakers, engineers, writers, and even heart surgeons, to provide insights into the genius captured in every brushstroke. This multifaceted analysis enriches the understanding of how da Vinci‘s innovations resonate across various disciplines and time periods, highlighting the enduring significance of his contributions to art and science.

Monsignor Timothy Verdon guides viewers through a theological exploration of “The Virgin of the Rocks,” while artist Carmen Bambach narrates the artistic evolution of “The Last Supper.” Art historian Francesca Borga delves into “The Mona Lisa,” offering a perspective that transcends the enigmatic smile of the subject, positioning it as a culmination of everything da Vinci mastered over his lifetime. This thorough examination illuminates the intricate layers of meaning embedded within da Vinci‘s works, inviting viewers to engage deeply with his artistry.

“Suddenly, it’s not just like you’re passively listening through headphones while wandering through an art museum,” Ken reflects. “Instead, you are being embraced and cradled while absorbing insights that often elude us in our casual observations.” This immersive approach encourages audiences to appreciate the depth of da Vinci‘s contributions and enhances their overall understanding of his artistry.

Much like da Vinci, the filmmakers aim to foster active engagement with their audience. Throughout the documentary, English, Italian, and French speakers share their thoughts in their native languages with subtitles provided. Actor Adriano Giannini also reads da Vinci‘s words in both Italian and English, prompting viewers to immerse themselves fully in the material. “We wanted to capture all these languages and demonstrate how universal these aspirations truly are,” Ken explains. This multilingual approach reflects the global impact of da Vinci‘s legacy and the relevance of his inquiries across cultures.

The initial voice that resonates throughout the film, alongside da Vinci‘s own words, is that of Guillermo del Toro. His inclusion is noteworthy, as Sarah learned that he was inspired by da Vinci to maintain notebooks filled with sketches of his cinematic creations. Ken notes that del Toro’s “joyful playfulness in questioning the universe,” as seen in his gothic films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” is a clear reflection of da Vinci‘s own embrace of the intricate connections between knowledge and creativity.

“They are not opposing forces,” he states. “They are intricately linked, and Leonardo is arguably the quintessential figure of the past millennium who understood this. The British might champion William Shakespeare, while the Germans celebrate Mozart and Bach. Perhaps we could offer a flawed Thomas Jefferson as a figure who distilled a century’s worth of Enlightenment thought into the remarkable Declaration of Independence. Yet, Leonardo encapsulated all these qualities.” This perspective emphasizes da Vinci‘s multifaceted genius and the profound impact he has had on various fields of human knowledge.

However, even such a revered figure comes with his share of surprises. Some viewers may be taken aback to discover that da Vinci had a notorious habit of leaving many of his masterpieces unfinished. Whether due to distractions or a deep-seated fear of what it meant to finalize a work, these unresolved questions fuel the documentary’s narrative, revealing the complexities of da Vinci‘s creative psyche.

“Why did he leave things unfinished?” Sarah poses. “Even if we cannot pinpoint the exact reasons, this remains a fascinating topic to explore. What drives this intense pursuit and insatiable curiosity that he applied to everything? To me, this aspect sets him apart from others.” This inquiry invites viewers to reflect on the motivations behind da Vinci‘s artistic journey and the significance of his unfinished works in understanding his genius.

McMahon humorously recalls