Origin story: what does Darwin's taste in art tell us about the scientist?

Restorers at Down House, where Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, have discovered the scientist’s passion for Renaissance art. His collection sheds light on how he saw God, nature and himself

Leonardo da Vinci looked over Charles Darwin’s shoulder as he wrote On the Origin of Species. Darwin in turn saw him every day as he entered his study to work among his collections of bird bones, barnacles and notes from the global voyage on HMS Beagle that gave him an idea that would change everything.

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