Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452. He was the illegitimate son of a 25-year-old notary, Ser Piero, and a peasant girl, Caterina. He was born in Vinci, Italy, which is located just outside Florence. Leonardo's father took custody of him shortly after his birth. His mother went on to marry someone else and moved into a neighboring town. In the end, Leonardo ended up with 17 half brothers and sisters from both of his parents. Early in life, as an apprentice, he demonstrated strong talents in painting and sculpture. Ultimately, he masterd projects in engineering, anatomy, architecture, scientific illustration, mapmaking, mathematics and optics. Although his completed works -- most notably the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper -- are few in number, his copious and disorderly notebooks continue to enthrall and fascinate people the world over. The enduring icon of the Renaissance set a mark unequaled by any who came after him. |
