Leonardo da Vinci: Biography, Masterpieces & Legacy of the Renaissance Genius

Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, in the small town of Vinci, near Florence, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of a notary, Ser Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman named Caterina. Despite not receiving a formal classical education, Leonardo showed remarkable talent from a young age.
At around fourteen, he became an apprentice in the workshop of the renowned Florentine artist Andrea del Verrocchio. There, Leonardo learned painting, sculpture, metalwork, mechanics, and drafting — skills that would later define his multidisciplinary approach to art and science.

Leonardo da Vinci was far ahead of his time in scientific observation. He conducted detailed studies of human anatomy, dissecting bodies to understand muscles, bones, and organs. His anatomical drawings are still admired for their accuracy.
He also designed conceptual inventions such as flying machines, parachutes, armored vehicles, hydraulic systems, and mechanical devices. Although most of these inventions were never built during his lifetime, they demonstrate his visionary understanding of engineering principles.
Many of Leonardo’s ideas are preserved in his notebooks, which contain thousands of sketches and notes written in mirror script.

Leonardo da Vinci is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. He believed that painting should be based on careful observation of the natural world. For Leonardo, art was not only about beauty but also about understanding how people, light, and nature truly work.
As an artist, Leonardo da Vinci carefully studied the human body to improve realism in his paintings. His knowledge of anatomy helped him create natural proportions, realistic poses, and lifelike expressions. This scientific approach to art set him apart from many other Renaissance artists.
Leonardo da Vinci was also known for his advanced painting techniques. He developed soft transitions between light and shadow, which allowed figures to appear more three-dimensional and realistic. His use of light helped create depth, atmosphere, and a sense of realism that was new at the time.
Another important part of Leonardo’s art was emotional expression. He closely observed human faces and gestures to show calm emotions and inner thoughts. His figures often appear thoughtful and alive, making his paintings feel personal and deeply human.
Today, Leonardo da Vinci is remembered as a Renaissance artist who changed the way people think about painting. His artistic style, attention to detail, and combination of art and science continue to influence artists and inspire people around the world.

In the later years of his life, Leonardo moved to France after being invited by King Francis I, who greatly admired him. Leonardo lived at the Château du Clos Lucé, close to the royal palace in Amboise. There, he spent his time drawing, thinking, and studying nature and science at his own pace.
Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67. He was buried in the Chapel of Saint Hubert at the Château d’Amboise, where his legacy is still remembered today.