Short biography
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance era, involved in painting, sculpture, architecture, engineering, science, and philosophy. He was born on April 15, 1452, in Anchiano, near Vinci, as the illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant woman. He received his education in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence, where he showcased exceptional talent and curiosity about the world. He worked for various rulers and patrons in Florence, Milan, and Rome. In 1516, he moved to France upon the invitation of King Francis I, where he passed away three years later.
Works
Sixteen paintings by Leonardo have survived to the present day. He primarily painted religious works and portraits, employing the technique of sfumato, which involves the gradual blending of colors and tones. He had a keen interest in science and also conducted studies in natural history. In his notebooks, he left numerous drawings on anatomy, astronomy, botany, cartography, painting, and paleontology. Leonardo was also an inventor. He designed machines that were ahead of his time, such as the helicopter, parachute, and tank.
Interesting facts
He had a great love for animals, so he was a vegetarian. He would often buy caged birds at markets solely to release them.
His favorite color was pink.
To prevent others from reading his notes, he wrote in mirror writing, from right to left.
Da Vinci was one of the first to provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of the structure of the brain. His drawings included cross-sectional and lateral views of the brain.
