Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pursuit of Perfection | Antonina Vallentin | First Edition 1938 | Illustrated Biography

A first edition biography of one of history’s most celebrated artists, inventors, and thinkers. Published by The Viking Press in 1938, Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pursuit of Perfection by Antonina Vallentin explores the remarkable life, artistic achievements, scientific inquiries, and enduring legacy of Leonardo da Vinci.

Beautifully produced in the publisher’s original beige buckram cloth, this volume is richly illustrated throughout with numerous black-and-white and color plates depicting Leonardo’s paintings, drawings, anatomical studies, and manuscripts. Featured reproductions include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Virgin of the Rocks, Leda, and studies for the Battle of Anghiari, among many others.

At over 550 pages, this remains one of the classic twentieth-century biographies of Leonardo, blending scholarship with an accessible narrative that brings Renaissance Italy and one of its greatest minds vividly to life.

Binding tight. Light age wear to the cloth, including several small spots to the rear board as photographed. Gilt lettering to spine. Red top edges. A marker line is visible on the fore-edge. Interior pages are clean and crisp with no writing or ownership markings noted. Illustrated throughout with numerous black-and-white and color plates.

Size: 6½” x 9½”

A handsome addition to any collection of art history, Renaissance studies, Leonardo da Vinci material, or illustrated biographies.