Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) Is considered the ultimate “Renaissance Man” He studied science and nature and practiced as an inventor and student of anatomy which greatly influenced his artwork. “Has been called a genius” His talents went beyond his artwork. 13,000 pages of notes and drawings include: Flying and war machines Plant studies Anatomy (being some of the first on human record)

Short Biography Leonardo da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy in April of 1452 Little is known of Leonardo’s childhood, expect that he received an informal education and was the son of a wealthy notary and a peasant, Caterina. At the age of 14, Leonardo entered into an apprenticeship with Verrocchio, an artist.

As an Apprentice Leonardo would have had training in a variety of different topics including: metal working, plaster casting, leather working, drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. Many of the works produced were joint efforts by apprentices and the “ master” painter. At the age of 20, Leonardo qualified as a master himself.

The Last Supper (1498) Gains the favor of the Duke of Milan who he works for from 1482-1499. During this time he painted The Last Supper.

Mona Lisa (1503-1507) Chiaroscuro and Sfumato Hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France Forever a work in progress, the painting was never delivered to its commissioner. Leonardo dies on May 2, 1519 and his estate is inherited by his assistant painter.

As a Professional Artist After working for the Medici family and travelling for them. Leonardo was looking for a broader scope of work, Leonardo moved from Florence to Milan, a much more political and militaristic city. There Leonardo worked as a military engineer. In the city that "lived and died by the sword", he began developing many of his famous war inventions. Da Vinci spent 17 years in Milan working for the Duke, inventing, painting, sculpting, studying science and conceiving an endless stream of innovative and daring ideas. Without a doubt, the 17 years spent in Milan were his most productive period. In 1499, the French invaded Milan and Duke Sforza was sent fleeing the city. Leonardo spent the remaining years of his life traveling to cities like Venice and Rome to work on different projects, with a greater concentration on his art (starting on his most famous piece, the Mona Lisa, in 1503) and studies in anatomy.

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