Profile of the Day: Leonardo da Vinci

On this day in 1452, Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. A true Renaissance man, da Vinci is remembered as not only a gifted artist but a brilliant intellect whose ideas were ahead of his time.

Image: Leonardo da Vinci / Library of Congress

Da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452 in a farmhouse outside of the village of Anchiano in Tuscany, Italy. He was born out of wedlock to Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Catarina, a young peasant woman. Da Vinci was raised on his father’s estate and received an informal education in math and science. His artistic talents were evident from young age and around the age of 14, he began studying under renowned Italian painter and sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio.

Although known as one of the greatest painters in history, da Vinci didn’t produce many pieces throughout his lifetime. Some of da Vinci’s masterpieces include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and the Vitruvian Man. A Renaissance man, da Vinci was also known for his accomplishments in the sciences, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, anatomy, architecture, and more. He filled several notebooks with his sketches, notes, and scientific observations. A brilliant inventor and engineer, da Vinci designed and illustrated concepts for flying machines, an armored vehicle, and concentrated solar power.

Da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 at the age of 67.

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