International Art Treasures Web Magazine

November  2004  

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The Da Vinci Code

Excitement and intrigue are not necessarily found in modern time artwork. Dan Brown changes that with his bestseller, The Da Vinci Code.

This book is a sequel in many regards to his earlier Angels and Demons.

That work also features protagonist Robert Langdon. In The Da Vinci Code Langdon becomes embroiled in a set of extraordinary circumstances with his life on the line and limited time to understand the symbols that he must decipher created centuries ago.

The story appeals to mystery fans, cryptologists and art fans alike because it offers much to each without overlooking the others.

Langdon quickly finds himself a potential suspect in the murder of the Musée de Louvre curator, a man he was scheduled to meet. Immediately the plot takes off and while escaping those out for his blood or his freedom, along the way Langdon takes us on an incredible fact based journey visiting many of the world's most famous artworks.

New interpretation is provided for among others Da Vinci's Last Supper and The Vitruvian Man. Architecture is not overlooked as the history of the Temple Church on Inner Temple Lane in London has a significant appearance. The Temple Church features a circular nave known as the round. It's architecture is Gothic Romanesque from its 12th Century beginnings. It was the home of the Red Knights, so named because they wore Red Crosses.

Westminster Abbey, where monarchs are crowned and often buried is a focal feature of the plot.

The home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was begun by Edward the Confessor who had the church consecrated days before his death in 1065. His canonization of 1139 prompted other Kings to improve his legacy. Henry III destroyed the church and built one but was stymied for lack of funds. It was over 100 years before his plan for the Abbey was undertaken by Richard II. The West Towers were designed by Sir Christopher Wren, famous for St. Paul's Cathedral, yet the towers weren't constructed until 22 years after the architect died. The church contains the tombs of Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth, that were created by Torrigino. The master craftsman is best remembered for his forced exile from Florence after breaking Michelangelo's nose than his artwork.

Dan Brown creates an intriguing suspense work while delving into some of the most famous masterpieces in the world. The locations are carefully chosen to move the story along and add to the artistic buffet delivered to the readers. The author takes license with earlier interpretations of the artwork, and yet that is not something for which he can be faulted. Instead it leads to thought provoking inquiries. Who can read this book and not look at Da Vinci's The Last Supper, for example, to ponder another analysis? Brown may be wrong, he could be right. Like most mysteries of the art world that is left to the opinion of the viewer who may choose to believe whatever they wish.

The Da Vinci Code tantalizes the reader with nouveau theories within the art world. Da Vinci set the standard for his creative outlet in his chosen field of pursuit, so too with The Da Vinci Code, does Dan Brown.