Artists and Writers

Leonardo daVinci (1452-1519)

Artist of two of the most well known paintings in the world, Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, da Vinci is also recognized for his discoveries in various fields of science – anatomy, astronomy, biology, geography, geology, mathematics, paleontology, physics, and zoology – and for his technological inventions as a civil and military engineer.

At 17, he began his apprenticeship in Florence as an artist, and in 1481 he began work on the altarpiece, Adoration of the Magi. It was not completed when he moved to Milan the following year, to join the court of Duke Ludovico Sforza. During his 17 years at the Sforza court he painted portraits; designed costumes and stage sets for festivals; studied anatomy, machinery, motion, perspective; proportion, and expression; and made hundreds of drawings and notes. He also completed the first Madonna of the Rocks and fresco of The Last Supper. His 1492 drawing of Vitruvian Man, known worldwide, is a tribute to his study of human proportion.

In 1499, Milan fell to the French and da Vinci went back to Florence. He painted the portrait, Mona Lisa, and continued to pursue his scientific interests, adding optics and hydraulics to his list. In 1516, François I, King of France, invited da Vinci to join his court as “first painter, engineer and architect to the King;” and da Vinci stayed until his death in 1519.

LINKS:

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

Leonardo da Vinci, Master Draftsman (Exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art)