Leonardo da Vinci: A Man of Many Talents (Especially Art)

The Reniassance, from the 14th to the 17th Century, was one of the most important periods in world history. It was an age when the arts, education, innovations, and humanism thrived. It was an age where learning was encouraged and creation was supported. Some of the most influential figures in human history also emerged in this time like Nicolaus Copernicus or Michelangelo. However, despite the great thinkers and creators of this time,  there is no figure that represents the Renaissance like Leonardo da Vinci. 

In 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was born in the town of Vinci in the Republic of Florence (Modern-Day Italy). At around the age of 14, he became an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio, from whom he learned many skills. He learned leatherworking, carpentry, and metalwork. He also learned to paint and sculpturemake.

When Da Vinci became a man, he moved to Milan and served as sort of a “military engineer.” He filled countless notebooks with various topics, with one of the most prominent being those regarding human corpses and the human anatomy. His study of this was used to learn more about how muscles and bones worked, which eventually led to the famous Vitruvian Man. 

The Vitruvarian Man, consists of a man that seemingly has four arms and four legs, though this depiction was used to display two separate body movements. It has become infamous for being one of the earliest, accurate detailed drawings of the human anatomy. 

Another of Da Vinci’s infamous creations was The Last Supper, painted from 1495-1498. It depicts Jesus Christ with his 12 Apostles, in the supper just before he is crucified. The art piece has become one of the most famous religious paintings of all time, becoming the definitive blueprint of the event. It has been parodied various times, from shows like The Simpsons to The Sopranoes. 

Meanwhile, Da Vinci also became famous for his prominent portraits. One such portrait was of Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of the Duke of Milan. It was heavily influential due to its “three-quarter” view, which shows the subject turning as if they were caught in a moment of thought. However, though this portrait was quite famous, there is no portrait from Da Vinci, or any artist, that is as infamous as the Mona Lisa. 

  The Mona Lisa, painted from 1503 to 1506, was a portrait of Lisa Gherardini. In the painting, Da Vinci used various techniques, from the “three-quarter” view, the usage of oil graze, and the ariel landscape. However, arguably the most famous aspect of the painting is Lisa’s smile, who’s “elusive” smile is still widely discussed. Today, millions of people visit the Mona Lisa yearly, which is currently in the Louvre in France.

Overall, Da Vinci was one of the greatest artists of his era. From the Vitruvarian Man to the Mona Lisa, his paintings are forever influential and prove that he is the ultimate Renaissance Man.