It's being called a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit and "The most important exhibit in London."
Fortunately for lovers of art, a trip to London is not needed to in order to view "Leonardo da Vinci: Painter in the Court of Milan." They can simply go to Greenbrier Valley Theatre, which will present Leonardo Live from Feb. 16-18.
"Even if you traveled to London, you can't get tickets as the show has been sold out for months," said GVT General Manager Pam Paul. "So we are extremely lucky that National Gallery decided to film this guided tour of the show."
The movie was filmed as the exhibit, the most complete display of da Vinci's rare surviving paintings ever assembled, was being installed at the National Gallery in London. It provides a virtual walk-through of the show, with commentary from scholars and curators.
Although da Vinci was also an incredibly accomplished inventor, scientist and draftsman, the National Gallery's display is the first dedicated only to his aims and techniques as a painter.
Featuring the finest paintings and drawings by Leonardo and his followers, the exhibition examines Leonardo's pursuit in his representation of the human form. Works on display include "La Belle Ferroniere" the "Madonna Litta" and "St. Jerome."
Two of versions of da Vinci's "Virgin of the Rocks" will be shown together for the first time. The exhibit will also include a full-scale copy of the "Last Supper" along with surviving preparatory drawings made by da Vinci, which will help explain how the massive painting was designed and executed.
"Leonardo Live" will be shown at GVT at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 18 and noon Feb. 17. The Feb. 17 showing also will include a presentation by George Bent, head of the Art and Art History Department at Washington & Lee University. Brunch, provided by Stella's in Lewisburg, will be served at 11 a.m. for an additional charge.
Tickets, which are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students and children, are available in person, by phone at 304-645-3838 or online at www.gvtheatre.org.
Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, is located at 113 E. Washington St. in Lewisburg.
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