A collage of works by Leonardo da Vinci, from the FB page for artistic dissemination “Sul Parnassus”bWelcome to this new post that will guide you in your discovery Leonardo da Vincione of the most extraordinary figures from the Renaissance and, more generally, from universal cultural history. This article was born as introduction to the life, thoughts and work of Leonardoartist, scientist and tireless observer of nature, able to combine painting, scientific research and philosophical reflection in a completely new language. To make the path clearer and more accessible, I added links to other blog content and selected videos from the YouTube channelso you can freely explore the aspects that intrigue you most: from painting to anatomy, from engineering to the study of landscape.
We’ll start with one essential overview in ten pointswhich describes the fundamental moments of Leonardo’s biography and research: from his training in Verrocchio’s workshop to his great pictorial works, to the famous notebooks of studies and inventions. This introductory overview provides you with a solid base to dive in a second moment into the complexity and modernity of an artist who still fascinates today with his ability to overcoming the boundaries between art and sciencewhere observation of the world is converted into knowledge and vision.
Living and working
Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 near Vinci, Tuscany. The natural son of a notary, he received a non-academic but exceptionally free education, nurturing from an early age an omnivorous curiosity about nature, technology and art. He joined the workshop at around the age of fifteen Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence, one of the most vital artistic centers of the Renaissance, where he learned painting, sculpture, drawing and technical concepts.
During his Florentine years, Leonardo developed a new way of observing the world: for him, art should be based on direct experience and the scientific study of reality. Early works such asAnnouncement and the Portrait of Ginevra de’Benciin which attention to light, atmosphere and the psychology of the characters are already evident.
In 1482 he moved to Milan in the service of Ludovico il Morowhere he worked as a painter, military engineer and organizer of court festivals. Here he created one of his absolute masterpieces, The Last Supper in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a revolutionary work in terms of composition, emotional intensity and use of space. The Milan years were also fundamental for his scientific studies: anatomy, hydraulics, mechanics, architecture.
After the fall of the Sforza, Leonardo lived between Venice, Florence and Rome. In Florence he painted the famous Mona Lisauniversal symbol of Western painting, famous for its nuance, the ambiguity of expression and the profound dialogue between figure and landscape. In the same period he designed monumental works that remained unfinished, such as the Battle of Anghiariwho profoundly influenced later artists.
In his last years he moved to France at the invitation of the king Francis Iwho welcomed him as “the king’s first painter, architect and engineer”. Leonardo died in Amboise in 1519. He left behind few completed works, but thousands of sheets of notes and drawings: studies of anatomy, machines, flight, botany, geology and optics, which testify to a mind capable of uniting art and science in a unique way.
Leonardo da Vinci is considered the emblem ofrenaissance man: his legacy lies not only in famous paintings, but above all in a method of knowledge based on observation, experiment and the ceaseless desire to understand how the world works.
In the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci
Here’s one reasoned guide to the places, cities and museums that are essential to really get to know Leonardo da Vinciwhere he follows the thread of his life and work.
Vinci
Leonardian Museum
The ideal place to start: models of Leonardo’s machines, drawings, scientific studies and a complete overview of his working method.Birthplace of Leonardo (Anchiano)
An essential context to understand its origins and profound relationship with nature.
Florence
Uffizi Gallery
It houses fundamental early works such as Announcement e Worship of the Magi (unfinished).Bargello National Museum
Useful for contextualizing Leonardo in the artistic climate of Renaissance Florence.Galileo Museum
To understand the scientific and experimental side of his thinking.
Milan
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Here it is The Last Supperone of the absolute highlights in art history.Sforzesco Castle
Drawings, projects and testimonies from the Sforza period.Ambrosiana Art Gallery
Keep the Codex Atlanticusthe largest collection of Leonardo’s drawings.
Venice
Although short, his stay in Venice was important for his studies in hydraulic and military engineering, linked to the defense of the lagoon city.
Roma
Amboise
Paris
Louvre Museum
Essential step: mona lisa, Saint Anna, Saint John the Baptist. Here we capture the full maturity of his style.
London
British library
It contains important codes including the Codex Arundelessential for understanding Leonardo’s scientific thinking.
Continue the exploration
It is clear that love, curiosity and interest in Leonardo da Vinci, like all icons, have over time produced an infinite series of things inspired by him. Books, gadgets, prints, DVDs… everything you can treat yourself and give away, inspired by the artist, can be found here: https://amzn.to/3Z8RdQe
If you would like to explore this artist further:
https://www.artesplorando.it/tag/leonardo-da-vinci
Painting is a mental matter.
Leonardo da Vinci
See you soon!
C.C
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