Ken Burns: Ken Burns Explores the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci in Upcoming PBS Documentary

Ken Burns: Ken Burns, renowned for his captivating historical documentaries, departs into fresh territory with his latest undertaking, “Leonardo da Vinci.” Scheduled to air on PBS in mid-November, stretching across four hours, this series plunges into the life and mind of one of history’s most remarkable figures, revealing da Vinci not just as an artist but as a polymath whose insatiable curiosity reshaped the world.

Co-directed by Burns and his collaborators, daughter Sarah Burns and her partner David McMahon, the documentary examines approximately six thousand pages of da Vinci’s notebooks. These documents uncovered a multifaceted genius committed to exploration across diverse disciplines, from anatomy and geology to art and science. “He yearned to comprehend everything concerning everything,” says Sarah Burns, emphasizing da Vinci’s dedication to understanding the human body to fashion more realistic artwork.

The series unpacks the complexity of da Vinci’s unfinished labors—less than twenty paintings survive, with many incomplete. Ken Burns proposes that this does not signify procrastination, but rather a continuous quest for answers. “Projects are left unfinished because the inquiries he was posing had been satisfied,” he clarifies.

Among the highlights are in-depth analyses of da Vinci’s masterworks, “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa.” McMahon notes that da Vinci’s pioneering composition in “The Last Supper” captures a dramatic instant of betrayal, showcasing his cinematic storytelling skills. Burns argues that the iconic “Mona Lisa” embodies the totality of the human experience, transforming her smile into a symbol of artistic genius.

Breaking from traditional documentary methods, this undertaking combines modern storytelling techniques, such as split screens and visual juxtapositions, mirroring da Vinci’s lateral thinking. Sarah Burns emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, revealing that even Ken Burns does not always have the final say, promoting a spirit of teamwork in the creative process.

“Leonardo da Vinci” promises to be a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of a man who lived a life filled with curiosity and creativity. As Ken Burns notes, da Vinci felt he had lived a fuller life than most, and this documentary aims to convey that extraordinary journey to audiences across America.