Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci
- Born:
- April 15, 1452, Anchiano, Republic of Florence (present-day Italy)
- Died:
- May 2, 1519, Clos Lucé, Kingdom of France
- Nationality:
- Italian
- Profession(s):
- Polymath: Painter, Sculptor, Architect, Scientist, Engineer, Inventor, Anatomist, Geologist, Cartographer, Botanist, and Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born out of wedlock to Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman.
- Received limited formal education.
- Apprenticed to Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence around the age of 14, where he learned painting, sculpting, and technical arts.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked in Florence, Milan, Rome, and France.
- Served as a military engineer and inventor for Ludovico Sforza in Milan.
- Made significant advancements in anatomy through dissection.
- Designed innovative machines and inventions, many of which were never fully realized during his lifetime.
- Employed by King Francis I of France during his final years.
Notable Works
- Paintings: Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, Salvator Mundi, Annunciation.
- Inventions/Designs: Flying machines, armored vehicles, war machines, diving suits, and various mechanical devices.
- Scientific Studies: Detailed anatomical drawings, studies of human proportion, geological observations, and botanical illustrations.
Legacy and Impact
The life and works of Leonardo da Vinci represent a pinnacle of the Renaissance ideal of the "universal man." His contributions spanned art, science, and engineering, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and influence fields ranging from art history to technology.