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| Leonardo da Vinci – presumed self-portrait |
Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his brilliance in both art and science, crafted some of history's most iconic masterpieces—The Last Supper, Mona Lisa, and The Virgin of the Rocks merely scratch the surface of his multifaceted talents. From his humble beginnings in 1452 to his opulent final days in 1519, Leonardo continually generated groundbreaking ideas and artistic creations far beyond his era. While he's a common subject of study, here are 10 lesser-known facts about this extraordinary individual.
1. Leonardo da Vinci had very Humble Origins:
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| Leonardo da Vinci – study of a baby in its mother’s arms |
Born in 1452 as the illegitimate son of his father and a peasant woman, Leonardo da Vinci started life without a formal surname. His name, "da Vinci," meaning "of Vinci," originated from his birthplace, the small village of Anchiano, near Vinci. After spending his early years in Anchiano, he moved in with his father, receiving basic education. His teen years saw him become an apprentice to Andrea Verrocchio, where he not only acquired traditional skills but also explored new ones through self-directed learning.
2. Sight as a Paramount Sense:
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| Leonardo da Vinci – An eye in profile |
Leonardo, a visual learner by modern standards, considered sight his most crucial sense. Embracing the philosophy of "saper vedere" or "knowing how to see," he valued keen observation. This approach served as his primary tool for accumulating accurate information instantly, utilized both in his artwork and the scientific exploration of painting.
3. Art and Science Fusion:
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| Da Vinci Vitruve Luc Viatour |
In the later stages of his life, Leonardo merged art and science, advocating for mathematical principles in painting. Embracing anatomical studies, he dissected around 30 human bodies, aiming for realism in his art. What initially started as an enhancement for his paintings transformed into a separate passion for the study of anatomy.
4. Renaissance Spirit:
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| Leonardo da Vinci |
Leonardo's insatiable curiosity led him to delve into various fields, including architecture, engineering, aeronautics, and mathematics. This breadth of knowledge enriched his paintings, sculptures, and inventions. Highly sought after by leaders for diverse projects, Leonardo often grappled with the challenge of fulfilling numerous commissions across different disciplines.
5. Many Unfinished Works:
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| Leonardo da Vinci – Adorazione dei Magi |
Leonardo faced challenges completing many projects due to his tendency to move on to new endeavors or external obstacles. His commissions in Florence and Milan, such as the "Adoration of the Magi," were left incomplete. Throughout his travels to Venice, Rome, Pisa, and France, several ambitious projects remained unfinished, potentially comparable to his renowned works.
6. Unrealized Monument:
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| Lenorado Da Vinci Horse |
A colossal horse statue commissioned by the Duke of Sforza in 1482 stands out among Leonardo's unfinished projects. Planned to be 24 feet tall and cast in bronze, the statue's fate took a turn when the bronze was repurposed for cannons amid the threat of war. The French later destroyed the clay model after defeating the Duke.
7. Notebooks as Precursors to Scientific Illustrations:
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| L. da Vinci manuscript notebooks |
Leonardo meticulously documented his observations and knowledge in various notebooks throughout his journeys. Using sketches and notes, he organized his findings, often employing mirror writing—writing backward and right to left. These notebooks, rich in illustrations with minimal text, laid the foundation for modern-day scientific illustrations.
8. Contributions to Cartography:
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| Leonardo da Vinci – Plan of Imola |
In his later years, Leonardo was commissioned by Cesare Borgia to create a map of Imola. Departing from the prevailing practice of exaggeration, he employed "saper vedere" and geometric knowledge to produce an accurate, ichnographic map—a significant contribution to modern cartography.
9. Encounters with the Church:
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| Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci |
Leonardo faced legal challenges, including accusations of sodomy in Florence in 1476. While no evidence was found, he later had a prolonged dispute with the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception in Milan over the completion of the altarpiece "The Virgin of the Rocks."
10. Preservation Amid Revolution:
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| Tombe de Léonard de Vinci |
Leonardo spent his final years in France, contributing to various projects for King Francis I. His remains, initially buried in the church of St. Florentin, faced destruction during the French Revolution. Discovered in 1863, Leonardo's remains were moved to St. Hubert, where they rest today.
