Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born as the illegitimate son of a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina. Born in the small town of Vinci in the Republic of Florence (modern-day Italy), his unconventional birth would not prevent him from becoming one of history's greatest polymaths. His early years were spent in the countryside, where he developed his profound observation skills of nature.

Leonardo began his artistic apprenticeship in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, one of Florence's leading artists. This rigorous training exposed him to diverse skills including painting, sculpture, metalworking, carpentry, and mechanical arts. Verrocchio's workshop was a hub of innovation where Leonardo learned the foundations of Renaissance art techniques and scientific inquiry that would define his career.

Leonardo was accepted into the painters' guild of Florence, the Compagnia di San Luca, marking his recognition as an independent master artist. Despite this qualification, he continued working in Verrocchio's workshop for several years, collaborating on major commissions and developing his unique artistic vision that blended precise anatomical knowledge with creative imagination.

Leonardo relocated to Milan, entering the service of Duke Ludovico Sforza. He offered his talents as a military engineer, architect, and artist, famously writing a letter listing his engineering capabilities before mentioning his artistic skills. This 17-year period in Milan would be among his most productive, allowing him to pursue both artistic masterpieces and scientific investigations.

Leonardo commenced work on The Last Supper mural for the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan. This revolutionary composition would take three years to complete and introduced innovative techniques including dramatic perspective, psychological characterization of the apostles, and experimental painting methods. Despite technical deterioration over centuries, it remains one of the world's most recognized religious paintings.

Leonardo began painting the portrait known as the Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), believed to depict Lisa Gherardini, wife of a Florentine merchant. He would continue refining this masterpiece for years, never considering it complete. The painting's enigmatic smile, innovative sfumato technique, and mysterious background landscape have made it the most famous painting in history, now housed in the Louvre Museum.

Leonardo returned to Milan, now under French control, serving the French governor Charles d'Amboise. He focused extensively on scientific and engineering projects, including hydraulic engineering, urban planning, and anatomical studies. During this period, he produced some of his most detailed anatomical drawings, dissecting human corpses to understand the body's inner workings with unprecedented precision.

Leonardo relocated to Rome under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici, brother of Pope Leo X. Though overshadowed by younger artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, he continued his scientific investigations, particularly in anatomy, optics, and mechanics. He designed theatrical productions, architectural projects, and conducted extensive studies on the nature of light and vision.

Leonardo accepted an invitation from King Francis I of France to serve as Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King. He relocated to the Château du Clos Lucé near Amboise, bringing with him several paintings including the Mona Lisa. Francis I greatly admired Leonardo and visited him frequently, providing him with a comfortable retirement and freedom to pursue his intellectual interests.

Leonardo da Vinci died at the age of 67 in the Château du Clos Lucé, reportedly in the arms of King Francis I. He left behind thousands of pages of notes and drawings covering art, science, anatomy, engineering, and countless other subjects. His legacy as the quintessential Renaissance man—an artist, scientist, engineer, and visionary—continues to inspire humanity. His notebooks, filled with mirror writing and detailed sketches, reveal a mind centuries ahead of its time.