Leonardo da Vinci

Born in the Tuscan town of Vinci in 1452, Leonardo was the illegitimate son of a wealthy notary and a peasant woman. His early life was marked by a profound curiosity about the natural world, a trait that would define his illustrious career.

Apprenticed to the renowned Florentine artist Andrea del Verrocchio, Leonardo quickly surpassed his master, demonstrating exceptional talent in painting, sculpture, and engineering. He moved between Florence, Milan, and Rome, serving dukes, kings, and popes, all while his mind continually explored new frontiers.

• 1452: Birth in Anchiano, near Vinci, Republic of Florence.
• c. 1466: Begins apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence.
• 1482: Moves to Milan to work for Duke Ludovico Sforza.
• 1500: Returns to Florence.
• 1513: Moves to Rome.
• 1517: Accepts invitation from King Francis I of France, settling in Amboise.
• 1519: Death in Amboise, France.

Beyond his art, Leonardo was a prolific inventor, engineer, and scientist. His notebooks are filled with thousands of pages of drawings and notes detailing his observations and designs, many of which were centuries ahead of their time.

He studied anatomy in meticulous detail, producing incredibly accurate drawings of the human body. His engineering concepts included flying machines (helicopters, ornithopters), armored vehicles, diving suits, and sophisticated hydraulic systems. His keen observation of nature, particularly birds, fueled his desire to understand and replicate flight.

• Anatomy: Detailed studies of muscles, bones, and organs.
• Mechanics: Designs for gears, levers, and complex machinery.
• Aerodynamics: Concepts for flying machines inspired by birds.
• Hydraulics: Studies of water flow and designs for canals and dams.
• Optics: Investigations into light and vision.