Siegfried Woldhek knows faces -- he's drawn more than 1,100 of them. Using sophisticated image analysis and his own skills as an artist, he's come up with a fascinating discovery about Leonardo Da Vinci.
Why you should listen
The work of illustrator Siegfried Woldhek is a familiar sight in the European press. His witty pen and sharp eye for faces helps him capture political and literary figures in his home country, the Netherlands, and around the world (he estimates he's drawn 1,100 faces). He's also an accomplished illustrator of nature, and was the longtime CEO of the Dutch branch of the World Wildlife Fund.
Woldhek is the founder of nabuur.com, "the global neighbor network." On nabuur.com, villages in developing communities can connect with volunteers and resources online throughout the world -- sort of a Match.com that pairs communities with the people who'd like to get involved.
Siegfried Woldhek’s TED Talk
More news and ideas from Siegfried Woldhek
Art
Another look at the face of Leonardo da Vinci
November 2, 2008
Earlier this year at TED2008 in Monterey, California, the artist Siegfried Woldhek unveiled what he believes is the true face of Leonardo da Vinci — through an elegant piece of artistic detective work. Now Woldhek has produced this drawing at left, imagining Leonardo as a young, a middle-aged and an old man, in three-quarter view […]
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Is this the face of Leonardo Da Vinci? Siegfried Woldhek’s discovery, on TED.com
April 1, 2008
Unveiled at TED2008: We all know Leonardo Da Vinci’s life and work — but until now, we have not known what he looked like as a man. Illustrator and activist Siegfried Woldhek used some thoughtful image-analysis techniques to find what he believes is the true face of Leonardo. Announcing his discovery for the first time […]
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