Leonardo da Vinci: riassunto e biografia breve | Studenti.it

# Leonardo da Vinci: The Renaissance Genius  

Born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo da Vinci remains one of history's most extraordinary minds. His artistic journey began in Florence under the guidance of Andrea del Verrocchio, where he mastered the dynamic representation of human figures in space. But Leonardo wasn’t just an artist—his curiosity spanned science, engineering, anatomy, and more, making him a true polymath.  

In his later years, he moved to France, bringing masterpieces like the *Mona Lisa* with him. He passed away in Amboise on May 2, 1519, leaving behind a legacy that bridges the Renaissance and modern innovation.  

## A Mind Ahead of His Time  

Leonardo’s work straddled the 15th and 16th centuries, blending Renaissance ideals with groundbreaking foresight. His approach fused science and art, insisting that understanding nature was key to representing it authentically. Whether studying optics, botany, or flight, he sought practical applications for his theories.  

### Revolutionary Inventions  

- **Urban Planning**: After witnessing Milan’s plague outbreaks, Leonardo designed an "ideal city" with decentralized housing, waste-management canals, and pedestrian walkways—a visionary blueprint for modern urban living.  
- **Flight**: Obsessed with aviation, he sketched flying machines inspired by birds, laying early groundwork for aeronautics.  

## Iconic Artworks  

Leonardo’s paintings reveal his genius for blending light, shadow, and emotion:  

- **The Annunciation (1472–75)**: Breaking tradition, he set this biblical scene outdoors, infusing it with naturalism.  
- **Lady with an Ermine (1488–90)**: A portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, whose poised yet dynamic pose captures a fleeting moment.  
- **The Last Supper (1495–99)**: A masterful depiction of Christ’s revelation of betrayal, using perspective to draw viewers into the drama.  
- **Mona Lisa (1503)**: Her enigmatic smile and lifelike gaze make this Louvre treasure one of the world’s most studied paintings.  

### Science Meets Art  

For Leonardo, painting was "the composition of light and shadow." His *sfumato* technique—softening edges to mimic atmospheric depth—created ethereal, almost breathing figures. This harmony between observation and artistry defines his work.  

## Quick Facts  

- **Training**: Apprenticed under Verrocchio in Florence.  
- **Milan Home**: Lived at Cascina Bolla (now Via Paris Bordone 9).  

### Dive Deeper  

Explore more about Leonardo’s life, inventions, and masterpieces—from the *Mona Lisa*’s secrets to his futuristic city plans. His legacy reminds us that curiosity and creativity know no bounds.  

*"Learning never exhausts the mind."* — Leonardo da Vinci  

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