Leonardo da Vinci Artist – Inventor - Scientist

Background Born on April 15, 1452 in Vinci, Italy. Parents not married and abandoned him. Raised by elderly grandparents. Spent time with Uncle Francesco who taught him to appreciate nature. Wanted to understand the forces of nature Fascinated by flowing water, plants, birds, animals, and the human anatomy. Kept a notebook of sketches

Description Curious – wanted to know why water was both life giving and destructive. Lonely – had no family, so nature became his family. Stubborn – did not like to be told what to do. Artistic - more skilled than his master Verrocchio. Secretive – his mirror writing kept his secrets hidden from prying eyes

Important Events Could not attend university, became an apprentice in Verrocchio’s studio in Florence. Painted the angel in Baptism of Christ, better than Verrocchio. Time of Renaissance – rebirth. Completed the painting the Annunciation, he did not complete the bronze horse statue for the Sforza, but he created The Last Supper at the monastery. Designed war machines. Dissected bodies to understand and document how the human body worked. Fascinated with flying, built wings. Leonardo had competition from other great artists, which were Raphael and Michelangelo. He and Michelangelo were egotistic...they did not get along. Took in a poor boy named Salai – he too had no family.

Fun Facts about da Vinci Verrocchio, the master artist, abandoned painting after he saw how talented da Vinci was. It was an act of respect. Collected books throughout his life because he wanted to teach himself things. He took in a young boy named Salai even though he was a trouble maker. Salai became his only family. Kept all information in notebooks - 13,000 pages. Developed secretive “Mirror Writing” Jumped off a cliff to test his wings Illegally dissected bodies. Built a robot – Knight in Shining Armor. Only 10 of his finished paintings exist today. Most famous work of art is the Mona Lisa. Some people suggested that it is a self-portrait.

“It lies within the power of man to make this instrument.” Quote ~Leonardo da Vinci This means that you have the power to be what you want and to accomplish whatever you are striving for. However, it is up to you to put in the work and to learn how to do it.

Closing – Leonardo, A Genius If Leonardo had not lived, the world would be different than it is today. He was not just a painter and artist, he was also an inventor, engineer, scientist, botanist, anatomist, and a writer. He is considered one of the greatest minds of our world. His sketches of anatomy are still used in medical teachings today. His inventions were ahead of his time. He developed a flying machine almost 400 years before the Wright brothers. He produced great work that captured the history of his time. His talent was so rare, that he was said to have mastered any skill he tried. He was a self learned man. His works and designs were clearly ahead of his time. His originality allowed future generations to reinvent his designs and come up with extraordinary items that are still used today.