Leonardo da Vinci and Renaissance painting
Leonardo da Vinci and Renaissance painting

In this web exclusive, Walter Isaacson, author of a new biography on Leonardo da Vinci, talks with Dr. Jon LaPook about the “augmented reality” of Renaissance artwork such as da Vinci’s, and why the eyes in paintings like the Mona Lisa appear to follow the viewer.
Read the full article on CBS Entertainment
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate based on the provided snippet and verification sources. It focuses on Walter Isaacson's perspective on Leonardo da Vinci's art, particularly the "augmented reality" aspect and the Mona Lisa's gaze. The snippet doesn't present any overtly biased statements, focusing on the artistic techniques and perceptions of da Vinci's work.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Walter Isaacson is the author of a new biography on Leonardo da Vinci.
- Verification Source #4: Wikipedia mentions Leonardo da Vinci's biographies. While it doesn't confirm Isaacson's *new* biography specifically, it is generally known that Isaacson has written a biography on Da Vinci.
- Claim:** The discussion involves the "augmented reality" of Renaissance artwork, such as da Vinci's.
- This is a subjective interpretation of the artwork and not a factual claim easily verifiable. The sources do not directly address this specific term.
- Claim:** The eyes in paintings like the Mona Lisa appear to follow the viewer.
- This is a well-known phenomenon associated with the Mona Lisa. While none of the provided sources *explicitly* state this, it is a common observation and understanding of the painting. Internal knowledge confirms this.
- Claim:** Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance artist.
- Verification Source #2: States that Leonardo da Vinci was a great artist in the Renaissance.
- Verification Source #4: States that Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #2 and #4 support the claim that Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance artist.
- The claim about the Mona Lisa's eyes following the viewer is supported by general knowledge and observation, although not explicitly stated in the provided sources.
- The "augmented reality" claim is not directly addressed by any of the provided sources.