Leonardo was born as the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and a peasant woman named Caterina. His birth out of wedlock would later free him from guild obligations, allowing him to pursue diverse interests.

Leonardo moved to his father's household after Ser Piero married. He received an informal education in reading, writing, and arithmetic, spending much time observing nature and developing his extraordinary visual memory.

Leonardo began his apprenticeship in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, one of Florence's leading artists. Here he learned painting, sculpture, metalworking, and mechanics, developing skills that would define his career.

Leonardo was admitted to the painters' guild of Florence, the Guild of Saint Luke, as a qualified master. Despite this honor, he remained in Verrocchio's workshop for several more years, collaborating on major projects.

Leonardo created his first dated artwork, a pen-and-ink landscape drawing of the Arno Valley. This detailed topographical study demonstrated his keen observation of nature and mastery of perspective.

Leonardo left Verrocchio's workshop and established his own studio in Florence. He received his first independent commissions, including an altarpiece for the Chapel of San Bernardo in the Palazzo Vecchio.

Leonardo received a major commission for 'The Adoration of the Magi' for the monastery of San Donato a Scopeto. Though never completed, the innovative composition and psychological depth influenced future generations.

Leonardo moved to Milan to serve Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. He presented himself as a military engineer, architect, and artist, beginning a seventeen-year period of remarkable creativity and invention.

Leonardo began work on 'The Virgin of the Rocks' for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception. The painting's revolutionary sfumato technique and mysterious atmosphere established new standards in Renaissance art.

Leonardo created the 'Vitruvian Man,' illustrating the proportions of the human body based on the writings of the Roman architect Vitruvius. This iconic drawing embodies the Renaissance ideal of art and science unified.

Leonardo began painting 'The Last Supper' on the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie. His experimental technique and psychological portrayal of the disciples created one of history's most influential artworks.

French forces invaded Milan and Ludovico Sforza fell from power. Leonardo left Milan after seventeen productive years, beginning a period of travel between various Italian cities seeking new patrons.

Leonardo returned to Florence and began work on 'The Battle of Anghiari' for the Palazzo Vecchio. During this period, he also started the portrait that would become the 'Mona Lisa,' working on it for years.

Leonardo conducted intensive anatomical dissections and studies, producing detailed drawings of human anatomy. His scientific approach to the human body was centuries ahead of his time, filling notebooks with discoveries.

Leonardo moved to Rome under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici, brother of Pope Leo X. He was given rooms in the Vatican's Belvedere Palace, where he continued his scientific studies and painting.

Leonardo accepted an invitation from King Francis I of France, who appointed him 'Premier Painter and Engineer and Architect to the King.' He brought several paintings including the Mona Lisa to France.

Despite a paralyzed right hand, Leonardo continued to teach, organize his notes, and oversee projects. He designed elaborate court festivities and worked on engineering projects for the French crown.

Leonardo died at the Château du Clos Lucé near Amboise. According to legend, King Francis I held his head as he died. He left behind thousands of pages of notes and drawings, influencing art and science for centuries.