Leonardo da Vinci Biography

Early Life

Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, near Florence. He was the son of a wealthy Florentine notary, Piero Fruosino di Antonio da Vinci, and a peasant girl, Caterina di Meo Lippi. Being an illegitimate child, Leonardo was raised by his paternal grandfather.

Education

Leonardo did not receive a formal education beyond basic reading, writing, and math, but his artistic talents were apparent from a young age. Around the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship with renowned artist Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence, where he learned metalworking, drafting, painting, sculpting, and modeling. His technical and artistic skills began to show in his paintings and by the age of 20, he qualified as a master in the Guild of Saint Luke, the guild of artists and doctors of medicine.

Influences

Leonardo was greatly influenced by the work of his master Verrocchio and other artists such as Ghirlandaio, Perugino, and Botticelli. He was also deeply inspired by the beauty, fluidity, and dynamism of nature—a theme often reflected in his artworks. His preoccupation with the human body and anatomy not only steered his artistic focus, but also his scientific pursuits.

Major Artwork

Leonardo da Vinci’s works are known for their extraordinary detail, precision, and innovative style. Some of his most famous paintings include “The Last Supper,” “The Vitruvian Man,” “Bacchus,” “The Annunciation,” and no doubt his most renowned creation, “The Mona Lisa.” His art was characterized by the use of perspective, careful attention to human anatomy, and his pioneering technique known as ‘sfumato’—the delicate blending of colors and tones to model forms.

Art Movements

Da Vinci is often associated with the High Renaissance—a period of unprecedented artistic production in Italy corresponding to the life of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. This movement is characterized by grandiose and complex compositions, depth and dynamism, and a high degree of naturalism.

Conclusion

Leonardo da Vinci left an indelible mark on the fields of art and science. Though many of his works remained unfinished or have been lost, his approach to understanding the world through observation and study has shaped the course of Western art history. Known as a genius of unrivaled intellect, his endless curiosity and inventive mind symbolize the spirit of the Renaissance. Leonardo died in Amboise, France, on May 2, 1519. His legacy continues to inspire and astound the world to this day.

All Leonardo da Vinci Artwork on 30 Art