What basically enters your mind when you hear the name Leonardo da Vinci?
The Last Supper? Mona Lisa? The Vitruvian Man ? First design of a flying machine?
Well yes, who would not know a genius such as Leonardo da Vinci?
Leonardo da Vinci or Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born in April 15th, 1452 as an illegitimate son of a wealthy notary Messer named Piero Fruosino di Antonio da Vinci and a peasant girl named Caterina. Both his parents married separately and had children but not with each other making a total of 17 half sisters and half brothers for Leonardo. A common fact that not many knows is that Leonardo does not have a surname. The “ser Piero” in his name means that his father was a gentleman, and thus “da Vinci” means “of Vinci” where Leonardo was born.
At a young age, Leonardo grew up at his father’s house at Vinci where he was able to gain access to all the academic books that is own by his father’s family. At the age of 15, Leonardo was set by his father to be an apprentice of Andrea del Verrochi who owned a well known workshop in Florence. It was said that at a young age, Leonardo showcased his talent that has even surpassed his master, Verrochio’s works. It as likewise told that Verrochio pledge never to paint again after seeing how his apprentice surpassed him.
In 1482, Leonardo worked for the Duke of Milan – Duke Ludovico Sforza and spent 17 years of his life in Milan exploring his capacity and knowledge in both arts and science. It was then that Leonardo was tasked by the Duke to create paintings, sculptures, and thus also include designing of buildings such as churches and fortresses, machinery such as flying machines, and likewise advanced weapons which included designs for submarines, vehicles for war, and devices used for combat.
Leonardo da Vinci was also noted to be a man who has broad interests and has often captivated by new subjects that he fails to finish what he started. During 1490 up until 1495, he had established a practice of documenting his studies in accurately-done illustrations in notebooks. The main themes that most of his studies contemplated are studies with architecture, painting, human anatomy, and mechanical elements. These studies were all documented in sketches and published documents which are now considered as valuable items by museums and big time personnel’s for collections.
This worldwide famous and multi-talented genius died at the age of 67 on May 2nd of 1519.
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