Leonardo Da Vinci Biography

Leonardo was born on 15 April 1452, in Vinci, Italy to Ser Piero who was a public prosecutor and Catherina (a peasant girl). From his childhood, he stayed with his father Piero and his mother married another person. In total, Leonardo had 17 half brothers and sisters in his life. While at Vinci, Leonardo had an opportunity to acquire knowledge by reading high-level intellectual material. He was also allowed to learn painting and other traditional arts of Vinci, which were passed on to new generation.

When Leonardo was of 15, Ser Piero apprenticed him under Andrea Del Verrochio in his workshop at Florence, where he learned various skills from Verrochio for next 7 to 8 years till 1477. Verrochio was known for the challenges he put in front of the amateur artists, which helped them to sharpen their imagination, skill and style and reach professional level. Leonardo possessed extraordinary talent in the field of art and he displayed it right from the day he was admitted in the workshop. He learned all the things he was taught and proved himself ahead of everyone; he even surpassed his Master Verrochio (It is said that, after getting impressed by Leonardo's genius and his paintings, Master Verrochio had vowed not to paint again in his life), the proof of which is his painting of an angel in Verrochio's 'Baptism of Christ'.

In 1477, Leonardo established a workshop of his own. For further couple of years, he explored the world of painting and practiced art in his workshop and even gave directions to budding artists. During this period, Leonardo adorned commission in Florence with his talent and art ('The Adoration of The Magi'). Leonardo was an astute artist and he knew that it was not possible for him to continue the way he was earning his livings, he knew that it was important to search for some mean or find out some place where he could earn more money with the help of his art and explore the world of art to new horizons. In his endeavor he left Florence and moved to Milan in 1482, where he accepted service of the Duke of Milan (Ludovico Sforza). Leonardo remained in the service of the Duke for about 17 years. While at Milan, Leonardo developed an idea to use his art in Engineering and scientific works such as weapons designing, machine designs, design for constructions, optics, hydro and aerodynamic etc along with study and work in sculpting, painting, designing court festivals etc. He also studied and researched in subjects like construction, science (such as anatomy, nature science etc), geometry, mechanics (subject related to machines) etc. Leonardo had established a workshop in Milan in which he carried his research work, study and also guided new apprentice artists. Leonardo also completed about six of his art works in Milan, which includes 'The Last Supper', 'The Virgin On The Rocks' and four other artworks.

In 1499, French invaded Milan and Leonardo had no other option than to leave Milan and search for new possibilities and new places to earn living with the help of his art. For about 15 years, Leonardo traveled throughout Italy and served many Dukes and rulers. He served Cesare Borgia for a couple of years and worked as a military engineer for him. During his time with Cesare, he designed weapons, new security constructions designs, helped in designing and building bridges etc.

Leonardo continued studying and researching on new subjects throughout his life and used his art and talent in earning commissions, special rewards etc for him. When Leonardo was 51 in 1503, he undertook his world-famous artwork 'Mona Lisa'. Leonardo's father Ser Piero died in July 1504, Leonardo was not given a share in his father's property by his half brothers and sisters. For next few years he worked and produced number of state-of-art works, which helped him in making living for himself.

Around 1513, Leonardo moved to Rome and established a workshop. On the basis of his talent and artworks he successfully received many projects, which also included projects from Pope. Leonardo could not continue his work in Rome for long, as he was also studying anatomy for which he used dead bodies, which was not allowed by Pope.

In 1516, king 'Francis I' offered him a post/title of 'Premier Painter and Engineer & Architect of the King'. King also offered him a generous stipend and a beautiful house near the Royal Chateau at Amboise. When Leonardo was in the service of the King Francis I, he suffered from a paralysis of the right hand. As the paralysis was only partial, he was still able to work and draw paintings and do few things normally. For about three years, Leonardo studied many different subjects and also carried out researches in them. He studied on variety of subjects such as anatomy of different animals, St. George, Virgin Mary, nature, subjects related to machines etc.

On 2nd May 1519, Leonardo took his last breathe in Cloux, France when he was 67. When he died, King Francis I was with him at his side.