The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo is one of the most famous works of art in the National Gallery. With a composition that was developed and revised by the artist throughout his life, the piece incorporates many of Leonardo's diverse interests: in the science of perception, in geology, in anatomy, and in new painting techniques that create a more realistic depiction of the human form. In this edition, Lia Haribian narrates the intriguing story behind this mysterious work, which was originally commissioned as an altarpiece when Leonardo was a young artist working in Milan. From documenting Leonardo's innovative painting techniques to exploring the changing designs of the work, this book sheds light on the rich history of this masterpiece of the Renaissance.