La Bella Principessa: The Story of the New Masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci

This is a fascinating and forensic examination of what is undeniably a beautiful artwork by someone ... whether that someone is Leonardo is another matter, but Martin Kemp and his collaborators lay out a convincing case.Lots of detailed photographs, high production values - a fine book, whatever your opinion of 'La Bella Principessa'.Recommended.

Excellent dissection of a masterpiece.Clear and easy to follow (I don't mean child-like) explanation of why this drawing is believed to be by Leonardo. Where it fits in style-wise, and who the most likely sitter is as well as an overview of the 15th century court of Ludovico Sforza.Basically the book is split into two sections, the first style and sitter the second the physical and scientific evidence. Both sections are extremely well illustrated with good, clear and informative colour photographs throughout. Some 190 pages long plus index and notes with lots of colour photos.I found it absolutely fascinating and unputdownable, it's a long time since I was this sorry to come to the end of a book. I only hope someone writes a similar work about the `new' Leonardo painting that I saw at the Leonardo exhibition the other day in LondonUPDATE : 29/12/15 : I saw a newspaper article recently which suggested that this drawing is a modern fake. Obviously I have no idea if this is the case or not, it will be interesting to see if more information on this is forthcoming.

This book is a pleasure to read. The content is fascinating and the quality of reproductions is of the highest standard. I defy anyone to look at the full page reproduction of the 'La Bella Principessa' drawing/painting on page 25 and not be moved by the beauty of the image. Words like exquisite and sublime can often be overused - but not in this instance. If you want to better understand and appreciate the talent of the artist look here (rather than the 'Mona Lisa'). If you want to know more about the way in which attribution of a work can be arrived at then I suggest you read this wonderful account which combines the expertise of art historians and scientists.

complete examination by text and many illustrations showing all that one needs to knowabout Leonardos masterpiece

The book was a wonderful read. Fascinating and gripping - lovely purchase