Early Life and Education

Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in the town of Vinci, near Florence, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman. Raised in his father's household, Leonardo received an informal education in Latin, geometry, and mathematics. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio, a prominent Florentine artist, where he honed his skills in painting, sculpture, and mechanical arts.

Artistic Career

Early Works

During his apprenticeship, Leonardo contributed to several works in Verrocchio's studio. His earliest known work is a pen-and-ink drawing of the Arno valley, dated 1473. In 1478, he received his first independent commission to paint an altarpiece for the Chapel of St. Bernard in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, though it was never completed.

Major Paintings

Leonardo's most renowned paintings include:

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  The Last Supper (1495–1498): A mural depicting Jesus and his disciples during the moment Jesus announces that one of them will betray him. Located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, it is celebrated for its composition and emotional depth.

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  Mona Lisa (c. 1503–1519): Also known as 'La Gioconda,' this portrait of Lisa Gherardini is famed for its enigmatic expression and masterful use of sfumato, a technique for softening transitions between colors.

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  The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (c. 1503–1519): This painting portrays Saint Anne, her daughter the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child, demonstrating Leonardo's skill in composition and depiction of human figures.

Scientific Studies and Inventions

Leonardo's notebooks reveal a vast array of studies in anatomy, engineering, and physics. His anatomical drawings, based on dissections, provided detailed insights into the human body. He designed numerous machines, including concepts for flying devices, armored vehicles, and various weapons. Notably, his design for a parachute was tested successfully in 2000, demonstrating the feasibility of his ideas centuries later.

Notebooks and Codices

Leonardo's extensive notes and sketches are compiled in several codices:

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  Codex Atlanticus: A 12-volume collection covering a wide range of subjects, from flight to weaponry to musical instruments and from mathematics to botany.

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  Codex Leicester: Focuses on topics such as the movement of water, the luminosity of the Moon, and the properties of fossils.

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  Codex Windsor: Contains anatomical studies and artistic drawings, providing insight into Leonardo's understanding of human anatomy.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1516, Leonardo moved to France at the invitation of King Francis I, where he spent his final years at the Château du Clos Lucé near Amboise. He died on May 2, 1519. Leonardo's legacy endures through his art, scientific inquiries, and inventive designs, influencing countless artists and scientists. His works continue to be studied for their innovative techniques and profound understanding of both art and science.