LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519)

Perhaps the quintessential Renaissance man, Leonardo was a painter, sculptor, mathematician, engineer and scientist. His intellect and astounding powers of observation make him unique even in a society that expected men to have many and varied interests.

Leonardo felt that knowledge was the key to understanding nature and life. He was fascinated in particular by the natural world and spent much of his life exploring various aspects of it. His keen sense of detail combined with a serious intellectual curiosity enabled him to pursue a thorough (at least for his time) study of natural phenomena, human anatomy and plant life. The flight patterns and movements of birds had particular appeal. As a scientist, he was careful to record his observations in many notebooks, mostly in sketch form.

A number of years were spent in France, at the courts of Francois I and Louis XII. A number of years were also spent at the Vatican as a guest of Pope Leo X, in proximity to artists such as Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. He became friends with Bramante; relationships with other artists are not documented, although it is assumed there was not serious communication. While in Milan, Leonardo worked as an architect for Cesare Borgia when at the height of his power. It was here that he met Machiavelli. The Last Supper , perhaps his most famous painting, was commissioned in 1498 by Ludovico Sforza, then Duke of Milan. It was during the 17 years of service to the Duke that Leonardo really developed the style that was to become the basis of art in the High Renaissance. It was also during this time that he began his intense interest in science. His studies combined the written word with graphics, the latter of which Leonardo considered more important. This was the beginning of scientific illustration.

It is surprising to note that only there are only 17 extant paintings by Leonardo, given the importance of works such as the Mona Lisa, The Adoration of the Magi, and the above-mentioned The Last Supper. It is his sketch books that perhaps are more informative of the man. They provide great insight into the brilliance, perspicacity and unique intellect of this man.