Life and achievements
Early life
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, in the year 1452, in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, in the province of Florence. Da Vinci was born out of wedlock to a notary named Ser Piero da Vinci and a peasant woman named Caterina. Nevertheless, Leonardo was accepted by his father and grew up with his half-siblings in his father's home. Leonardo was a child prodigy who showed an aptitude for drawing and an interest in the natural sciences since his youth.
Leonardo was apprenticed to Andrea del Verrocchio at the age of 14, a great master of the Florentine school. Verrocchio taught Leonardo painting, sculpture, and mechanical arts, and thus, he developed his skills in these fields. He quickly gained recognition and helped in the creation of some of Verrocchio's masterpieces, such as 'The Baptism of Christ' in which Leonardo's angel was stated to be far better than the rest of the figures done by Verrocchio.
Studying in Verrocchio's workshop, Leonardo was able to learn many artistic and scientific techniques that shaped his integrative thinking. He knew about the human body, machines, and the science of flying in order to prepare for his future journeys and inventions. It is recorded that by 1472, Leonardo was enrolled in the Guild of Saint Luke, which was a guild of artists and doctors of medicine, hence marking the beginning of his career as an artist.
In his early years, Leonardo's painting showed the control of the brush and remarkable knowledge of the human body and feelings. His paintings, like the "Annunciation" and the "Adoration of the Magi," depicted his skill in detail and his ability to tell a story. These early accomplishments made Leonardo one of the leading artists of the Florentine school.
Legacy
Thus, Leonardo da Vinci left a great impact on society, and he is considered to be one of the greatest minds in history. He has made significant impacts in art, science, and engineering, which are still felt to date. Leonardo da Vinci's famous paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, still attract people's attention with their realism and the depth of their message. He employed techniques such as sfumato and chiaroscuro, which made him change the face of painting and impacted many artists.
Apart from his outstanding achievements in art, Leonardo da Vinci's scientific investigations and innovations revealed his vision and innovation. His anatomical drawings, which were done on the basis of dissections, contributed to the development of human physiology. The drawings of flying machines, military equipment, and hydraulic systems are proofs of Leonardo's creativity and foresight. However, most of his inventions were not actualized in his lifetime, but they provided a basis for future innovations.
Leonardo's notebooks are rich with drawings and notes that give insight into the genius's mind and his insatiable thirst for knowledge. These documents have proved to be very useful to scholars and scientists as they reveal his techniques and concepts. Leonardo's approach, which combined art and science, is still relevant today and is still a source of inspiration to many people.
As a result of his achievements, Leonardo has been portrayed in literature and films, his works displayed in museums and analyzed in academic papers. He has since been associated with brilliance and innovation, which are representations of the human mind's capacity. It can be seen in the people's interest in his life and creations and the attempts to discover the secrets behind the genius of Leonardo.
Milestone moments
Apr 18, 1469
Enrolling in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio
Leonardo da Vinci started going to work for Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence in April 1469.
This was the beginning of Leonardo's formal education in arts and sciences and is considered the turning point in his life.
Working for Verrocchio, Leonardo was able to learn and practice many fields, such as painting, sculpture, mechanics, and anatomy.
He soon became famous for his excellent skills and ability to notice details.
He assisted in many of Verrocchio's works, including the painting of an angel in 'The Baptism of Christ,' which was so well done that it overshadowed the other figures painted by Verrocchio.
Thus, the apprenticeship gave Leonardo the opportunity to receive a rather profound education and gain acquaintances with many influential artists.
Aug 18, 1482
Transfer to Milan and Service under Ludovico Sforza
Leonardo was in Milan from August 1482 until 1499, when the French and Ludovico Sforza invaded the city and fled.
This transition helped Leonardo to seek new challenges and develop himself as an artist and scientist.
In Milan, Leonardo painted the "Last Supper," which is another excellent work that is appreciated for its composition and the expression of emotions.
He also carried out a lot of research in anatomy, engineering, and hydraulics and documented it in his journals.
A number of new projects, such as the designs of flying machines and military structures, also characterized Leonardo's stay in Milan.
Ludovico Sforza's support allowed Leonardo to progress in the field of art as well as in the sphere of science.
Jun 18, 1499
Back in Florence and the Birth of the Mona Lisa
In June 1499, after the fall of Ludovico Sforza, Leonardo went back to Florence.
During this period, we also witnessed the painting of the 'Mona Lisa,' one of the most recognized portraits in the world.
Leonardo's portrait of Lisa del Giocondo has an ambiguous smile, and the artist has made excellent use of the technique of 'sfumato,' which gives a hazy appearance.
The "Mona Lisa" is among the works that depict Leonardo's capability to produce realism and expressions.
At this time, Leonardo also painted several scientific pieces, such as anatomical studies of the human body, the study of light, and the analysis of water and its movements.
His coming back to Florence was followed by a period of great productivity and a search for knowledge.
Sep 18, 1502
Service with Cesare Borgia and Military Engineering
Leonardo da Vinci joined the employ of Cesare Borgia in September of 1502 as a military engineer and architect.
This position entailed the design of fortifications, weapons, and strategies for Borgia's military expeditions.
Some of the works that Leonardo did during this period included map making, planning of towns, and problem-solving in engineering.
He made a plan for Cesare Borgia's fortress, Imola, which showed his exceptional cartographic abilities.
Leonardo's work in military engineering depicted his real-life application of scientific knowledge.
This experience added more experience and knowledge to Leonardo in different fields.