Art on the BBC: The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci

Having painted the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci is probably a shoe-in for the title of the most famous painter who ever lived

Having painted the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci is probably a shoe-in for the title of the most famous painter who ever lived.

But this Florentine genius was also interested in mathematics, music, anatomy, engineering and architecture, and he can lay some claim to early designs of a flying machine, tank and parachute.

So there’s plenty for Janina Ramirez to get stuck into as she delves into the BBC archives to find out what secrets lie beneath da Vinci’s most famous works.

And how TV programmes of old viewed this true Renaissance man.