Leonardo Da Vinci's Accomplishments

The Italian Renaissance was an artistic breakthrough. Many paintings and sculptures emerged in the 15th century, and their creators gained popularity all throughout Europe. Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance inventor and scientist, painted some of the world’s most famous pieces of art. To begin, Leonardo da Vinci’s background helped mold his character and established his purpose in life. His beginning of a wonderful life all began outside the little village of Vinci on April 15th, 1452 (Romei 6). He was born the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Caterina, a peasant girl. Because of this, Leonardo’s future was not in line for the job of his father. Instead, he proved himself talented in drawing and sculpting (“Leonardo
da Vinci”). Leonardo’s uncle also helped awaken Leonardo’s interest in nature and encouraged him to draw (Romei 6). Without the circumstances of his birth and the encouragement he received, Leonardo’s entire life would have changed completely, and he would never accomplish the feats he did as an artist. In 1469, Leonardo apprenticed Andrea del Verrocchio and stayed for several years (Romei 15). Verrocchio was the leading painter and sculptor in Florence at the time. After the apprenticeship, Leonardo stayed for several years and collaborated with Verrocchio on Baptism of the Christ in 1472 (Summers). A painters’ group, called the Guild of Saint Luke, invited Leonardo to join, and in 1472, he accepted and became a member (Romei 22). Overall, Leonardo da Vinci’s background helped lead him to create tremendous works. Next, Leonardo’s life shows how hard he worked and how much he accomplished throughout his journey.
Through 1478 until 1482, Leonardo had his own studio in Florence. While there, he received a commission for the Adoration of the Kings, however, he did not finish it. He became a court artist for the Duke of Milan in 1482 and stayed there until 1499. In Milan, Leonardo painted Madonna of the Rocks around 1483. At the same time, Leonardo also wrote down his thoughts about anatomy and science into his notebooks. Around 1487, he drew the Vitruvian Man, which showed how a perfectly-proportioned man could fit into shapes like squares and circles. Aircraft such as helicopters and man-powered flying machines are also found in Leonardo’s notebooks (Summers). The Last Supper, commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, is found on the wall of a dining hall in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Romei 42). Started in 1495, it is one of the most famous pieces of art on the planet (Romei 62). Because Leonardo was experimenting with a new technique of painting, it began to decay immediately when it was completed in 1498 (“The High Renaissance in Italy”). Cesare Borgia, an infamous warlord, worked with Leonardo around 1502. Marching with Borgia’s army in the Romagna region, he even made maps and built barracks, war machinery, and a fort (“Leonardo da Vinci”). After the Duke of Milan was overthrown, Leonardo fled back to Florence (Summers). There he painted the Mona Lisa, a portrait of a Lisa
Giocondo, for a Florentine nobleman. Everywhere Leonardo went, he also brought the Mona Lisa (Amey 17). Without the many awe-inspiring works he created, the world would be a different place altogether. Now and then, Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy boomed throughout the world and was the living, breathing version of a Renaissance man.
He was centuries before his time, and his wide range of interest led to him trying to develop every skill imaginable (Amey 22-23). For building flying machines, Leonardo looked at the birds and their flight, and for anatomy, he took autopsies so he could understand the body more (Summers). Modern inventions such as robots, digital computers, and even the first heart valve were all designed by him. His way of thinking brought in a whole new era of experimentation into the world and still affect the world today. (Stefan). As they came to him, all of his thoughts and ideas were written and sketched, producing a multitude of breathtaking notebooks. Because they were never published until centuries later, many of his inventions were not known until years later (“Leonardo da Vinci”). Seeing his thoughts turned into a drawing is stunning, and Leonardo’s ability to do so is astonishing. Michelangelo and Raphael, the leading artists at the time, were both impressed by Leonardo’s abilities as well, and he was an influence to both of them. Painters now try to imitate Vinci’s knowledge of perspective and mastery of observation. One example of Leonardo being ahead of the game was the use of sfumato, the painting of a hazy atmosphere. Eyes take in images through a haze produced by dust and humidity in the atmosphere, and Leonardo understood this concept. The
Mona Lisa and The Last Supper are two of the most famous paintings on the planet, both painted by Leonardo (“The High Renaissance in Italy”). With his vast array of talent mentally and artistically, Leonardo became the quintessential figure of the Italian Renaissance and created works no one will ever overlook, and his name will forever be engraved in history (“Leonardo da Vinci”).
Finally, Leonardo da Vinci was a man of admirable character. Titus 3:14 says, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” (Holy Bible NIV) Leonardo devoted himself to study and to observe the world around him. This led into a new era of thinking that is still being used today (“The High Renaissance in Italy”). He also definitely lived a productive life, so Leonardo followed this verse well. Exodus 18:18 states, “... you will only wear yourself out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (Holy Bible NIV) In this verse, Moses’s father-in-law tells Moses that he is working too hard and that he must call for God to help him. Leonardo also falls into this category of overworking, because he was trying to master every skill possible. However, that is an impossible task and even a universal genius could not do that (“Leonardo da Vinci”). “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him,” says Hebrews 11:6 (Holy Bible NIV). Even Leonardo had some weak points, which include: history, literature, and religion (“Leonardo da Vinci”). Although he was never cruel, Leonardo lacked a relationship with Jesus, so that proves that he was worldly with no care about life after Earth.
To observe was a foundation for his philosophy, Leonardo da Vinci invented new creations, experimented with flight, and painted famous pieces of artwork. Early in life, he found his calling and committed to it. Pivotal points within his life include his most famous works, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. The boldness of his mind and way of thinking affected the world at the time and still has its effects today. As a Christian, he lacked the fundamental relationship with God but still had a good morale. Without more people like Leonardo da Vinci, the world may never see a creative revolution ever again.