Leonardo da Vinci Timeline
Leonardo da Vinci by People
Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Italy, was a true genius who excelled in many fields such as art, science, music, and invention. He is most famous for his iconic paintings, the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," which are considered some of the greatest artworks in history. Da Vinci was also a brilliant inventor, designing machines and concepts far ahead of his time, including ideas for a helicopter, tank, and solar power. His detailed studies of anatomy helped advance medical understanding, and his notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, show a mind constantly questioning and exploring. Leonardo's diverse talents and curiosity have made him a symbol of the Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement.
April 15, 1452
Birth of Leonardo in Vinci, Italy
This polymath was born in a small town called Vinci, located in the region of Tuscany, Italy. His full name was Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, which means 'Leonardo, son of Piero, from Vinci'. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would greatly influence the world of art, science, and technology.
Year 1466
Start of Leonardo's apprenticeship with artist Verrocchio in Florence
The polymath began his apprenticeship with Verrocchio, a renowned artist and goldsmith in Florence. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic style, as he was exposed to a wide range of techniques and subjects. His time with Verrocchio also allowed him to interact with other artists and intellectuals, further broadening his knowledge and skills.
Year 1472
Leonardo is accepted into the painter's guild of Florence
This marked a significant milestone in his career, as being accepted into the painter's guild of Florence, known as the Compagnia di San Luca, was a prestigious honor. It not only recognized his artistic talent but also allowed him to take on his own apprentices and operate a workshop. This was a crucial step for any artist aspiring to gain fame and success during the Renaissance period.
Year 1478
Leonardo receives his first independent commission for an altarpiece in Chapel of St. Bernard
This commission marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first opportunity to work independently, without the supervision of his master, Verrocchio. The altarpiece was intended for the Chapel of St. Bernard, a religious site in Florence, Italy. Unfortunately, the piece was never completed.
Year 1482
Leonardo moves to Milan to work for the ruling Sforza family
The polymath was hired by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who wanted him to create a grand statue of a horse. This move marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from being primarily a painter to a multi-faceted artist and engineer. His time in Milan, which lasted nearly two decades, was a period of great productivity and innovation.
Year 1495
Start of Leonardo's work on 'The Last Supper' in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The renowned artist began his work on 'The Last Supper' in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, located in Milan, Italy. This monumental mural, measuring about 15 x 29 feet, was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan. It depicts the dramatic scene from the Bible when Jesus announces that one of his twelve apostles would betray him.
Year 1499
Leonardo flees Milan due to the invasion of French forces
The polymath had been living in Milan under the patronage of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. When the French invaded, Sforza was overthrown, causing the polymath to flee. He left behind many unfinished works, including "The Last Supper".
Year 1503
Leonardo begins painting the 'Mona Lisa'
This iconic artwork was commissioned by a wealthy Florentine merchant, Francesco del Giocondo, who wanted a portrait of his wife, Lisa Gherardini. The painting, known for her enigmatic smile, took approximately four years to complete. It is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Year 1506
Leonardo returns to Milan, now under French rule
The polymath was invited back by the French governor of Milan, Charles d'Amboise. During this time, he was commissioned to work on various projects including architectural designs, engineering schemes, and artistic works. This period in Milan under French rule was a significant time for the polymath's scientific studies.
Year 1513
Leonardo moves to Rome under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici
The polymath was invited to Rome by Giuliano de' Medici, brother of Pope Leo X. During his stay, he worked on various projects, but none of them were as significant as his previous works. Despite this, his time in Rome was important for his scientific studies.
Year 1516
Leonardo is invited by King Francis I of France to work at the Clos Lucé near the king's castle in Amboise
The polymath was offered a position as the "First Painter, Engineer, and Architect of the King", which he accepted. He lived in a manor house, Clos Lucé, provided by the king, where he had the freedom to dream, think and work. His time in France was a period of peace and he continued his studies until his death in 1519.
May 2, 1519
Death of Leonardo at Clos Lucé, France
The polymath passed away at the age of 67 in the small French château of Clos Lucé. He was serving as the "First Painter, Engineer, and Architect of the King" for King Francis I of France at the time. His death was a significant loss to the world of art and science.
Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Italy, was a true genius who excelled in many fields such as art, science, music, and invention. He is most famous for his iconic paintings, the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," which are considered some of the greatest artworks in history. Da Vinci was also a brilliant inventor, designing machines and concepts far ahead of his time, including ideas for a helicopter, tank, and solar power. His detailed studies of anatomy helped advance medical understanding, and his notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, show a mind constantly questioning and exploring. Leonardo's diverse talents and curiosity have made him a symbol of the Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement.
This polymath was born in a small town called Vinci, located in the region of Tuscany, Italy. His full name was Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, which means 'Leonardo, son of Piero, from Vinci'. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would greatly influence the world of art, science, and technology.
The polymath began his apprenticeship with Verrocchio, a renowned artist and goldsmith in Florence. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic style, as he was exposed to a wide range of techniques and subjects. His time with Verrocchio also allowed him to interact with other artists and intellectuals, further broadening his knowledge and skills.
This marked a significant milestone in his career, as being accepted into the painter's guild of Florence, known as the Compagnia di San Luca, was a prestigious honor. It not only recognized his artistic talent but also allowed him to take on his own apprentices and operate a workshop. This was a crucial step for any artist aspiring to gain fame and success during the Renaissance period.
This commission marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first opportunity to work independently, without the supervision of his master, Verrocchio. The altarpiece was intended for the Chapel of St. Bernard, a religious site in Florence, Italy. Unfortunately, the piece was never completed.
The polymath was hired by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who wanted him to create a grand statue of a horse. This move marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from being primarily a painter to a multi-faceted artist and engineer. His time in Milan, which lasted nearly two decades, was a period of great productivity and innovation.
The renowned artist began his work on 'The Last Supper' in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, located in Milan, Italy. This monumental mural, measuring about 15 x 29 feet, was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan. It depicts the dramatic scene from the Bible when Jesus announces that one of his twelve apostles would betray him.
The polymath had been living in Milan under the patronage of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. When the French invaded, Sforza was overthrown, causing the polymath to flee. He left behind many unfinished works, including "The Last Supper".
This iconic artwork was commissioned by a wealthy Florentine merchant, Francesco del Giocondo, who wanted a portrait of his wife, Lisa Gherardini. The painting, known for her enigmatic smile, took approximately four years to complete. It is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The polymath was invited back by the French governor of Milan, Charles d'Amboise. During this time, he was commissioned to work on various projects including architectural designs, engineering schemes, and artistic works. This period in Milan under French rule was a significant time for the polymath's scientific studies.
The polymath was invited to Rome by Giuliano de' Medici, brother of Pope Leo X. During his stay, he worked on various projects, but none of them were as significant as his previous works. Despite this, his time in Rome was important for his scientific studies.
The polymath was offered a position as the "First Painter, Engineer, and Architect of the King", which he accepted. He lived in a manor house, Clos Lucé, provided by the king, where he had the freedom to dream, think and work. His time in France was a period of peace and he continued his studies until his death in 1519.
The polymath passed away at the age of 67 in the small French château of Clos Lucé. He was serving as the "First Painter, Engineer, and Architect of the King" for King Francis I of France at the time. His death was a significant loss to the world of art and science.