“Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan” will be the exhibition of the year, not just in London but possibly in the world. Eight major paintings have been loaned to join the National Gallery’s own recently restored Virgin of the Rocks, a completely unprecedented – and doubtless never to be repeated – assembly of works by the greatest genius of the Renaissance. Lenders include the Louvre, the Hermitage and the Vatican.

To make the most of this event, MRT is holding a study day with talks by three outstanding experts followed by lunch and a visit to the exhibition. The speakers are Charles Nicholl, author of the acclaimed biography Leonardo da Vinci: The Flights of the Mind, (published in 17 languages); Martin Kemp, Emeritus Research Professor in History of Art at Oxford University and author of numerous books on Leonardo such as Experience, Experiment and Design and La Bella Principessa; and Ashok Roy, Director of Science at the National Gallery and a leader in the understanding of Renaissance techniques.

After the morning talks at Burlington House in Piccadilly, lunch is in Pall Mall at the most august of London’s private clubs (fifteen minutes away on foot; taxis are plentiful). Then as much as you wish of the afternoon is spent in the exhibition at the National Gallery (five minutes away or less) where the speakers will be on hand to answer questions. Admission is by pre-booked timed ticket only, and the Gallery has taken a brave stand with this exhibition by reducing the numbers allowed into the exhibition at a time to preclude the characteristic blockbuster crush.

Numbers on this event are limited, so we advise you to apply as soon as possible. The price is £130, or £65 for those who book on Leonardo & Michelangelo, a tour to Milan, Florence and Rome 7–14 February 2012.

Read the programme

To book please call the office on 020 8742 3355. Unfortunately this study day cannot be booked online.

Download the booking form