Leonardo da Vinci was a true Renaissance genius, known for his incredible contributions to art, science, and engineering. Born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo was the illegitimate son of a notary, Ser Piero, and a peasant woman, Caterina. From a young age, he exhibited a curious mind and a keen talent for art. Leonardo began his artistic journey as an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. This apprenticeship provided him with a strong foundation in painting, sculpture, and mechanical arts. Under Verrocchio's guidance, Leonardo honed his skills and began to develop his unique approach to art. Leonardo’s artistic mastery is evident in his famous works:
"The Last Supper": Painted between 1495 and 1498, this iconic mural in Milan's Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie captures the dramatic moment Jesus announces his betrayal.
"Mona Lisa": Completed around 1506, this portrait of Lisa Gherardini is renowned for its enigmatic expression and meticulous detail, making it one of the most famous paintings in history.
Leonardo's use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), along with his deep understanding of anatomy, set his works apart from those of his contemporaries. Leonardo's notebooks reveal his insatiable curiosity and innovative mind. He explored various fields, including anatomy, geology, botany, and physics. His anatomical drawings, based on dissections, were remarkably accurate and advanced for his time.
In engineering, Leonardo sketched designs for numerous inventions, many of which were centuries ahead of their time. These included early concepts for flying machines, tanks, and various mechanical devices. Although many of his designs were never built during his lifetime, they have influenced modern engineering and technology. In his later years, Leonardo worked for influential patrons, including Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, and King Francis I of France. He spent his final years in France, where he passed away on May 2, 1519, in the Château du Clos Lucé, near Amboise.
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