daVinci Art Science Roundtable
The daVinci art science roundtables are a facilitated monthly series of exploratory discussions for artists and scientists to talk about the culture of their two fields and how they might collaborate more meaningfully. Ultimately, the discussions also explore how collaborations intersect with public understanding of science. The roundtables began with the basic assumptions that discussion between the artists and scientists had the potential to create new knowledge and ideas that would be of interest to the participants and eventually to the public as well.
Join us for an intriguing roundtable discussion centered on Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative technique of sfumato, a method renowned for its subtle gradations of tone and color that create soft transitions and a sense of depth in painting. This session will explore how sfumato reflects da Vinci’s broader approach to art and science, emphasizing complexity, nuance, and the interplay between light and shadow.
We will examine the technical aspects of sfumato and its application in masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Virgin of the Rocks. The discussion will highlight how this technique allowed da Vinci to evoke mood and emotion while capturing the intricacies of human expression and the natural environment.
Moreover, the roundtable will delve into the philosophical implications of sfumato, considering how its embrace of ambiguity and complexity mirrors the uncertainties found in scientific inquiry. Participants will discuss how conditions of ambiguity can foster creativity and innovation across both artistic and scientific fields.
Attendees will be encouraged to engage with one another and share their insights on how the principles of sfumato can inform contemporary practices in art and science, emphasizing the value of blending perspectives to enhance understanding.
Join us as we celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery of sfumato and explore the profound connections between art and science, inviting deeper reflection on the beauty of ambiguity and the richness of human perception.
Join us for this free event on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm EST.
