Anatomy of ambivalence

Whit Taylor muses on Leonardo da Vinci's world famous painting, thinking about its origins and impact via scientific and anecdotal lenses. This includes how it has intersected with her own life, encountering the ubiquitous work as a child and even portraying the painting in a school play. Ultimately, are all of Mona Lisa’s mysteries worth more than Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona, who, rather than just sitting there, “makes the pasta?”

Whit Taylor was born and raised in New Jersey. She developed an interest in art in part due to her mother, who has collected work from black artists since she was young. Taylor developed an interest in anatomy from looking at her father’s medical illustration books and from working as a health educator. Taylor’s work has appeared in publications such as The Nib, The New Yorker, and Illustrated PEN. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two cats.

Leonardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452- May 2, 1519) was an Italian painter, best known for the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and The Vitruvian Man. He also contributed to the fields of anatomy, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, cartography, architecture, music, and others.

Tomie dePaola (September 15, 1934 -) is an award-winning American illustrator and author, who has written numerous children’s books. His book, Strega Nona (1975), received a Caldecott Honor in 1976.

24 pages, Burgundy ink, Risographed, Saddle-stitched. November 2018