Leonardo da Vinci

Event #1

1452

On April 15, 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was born just outside Anchaino, Tuscany (present day Italy). His mother was known as Caterina da Vinci, and his father was known as Piero Fruosino di Antonio da Vinci. His father was a significant figure that pushed da Vinci toward an artistic and successful career. This event is significant because Leonardo da Vinci would go on to be one of the greatest painters and the definition of a “Renaissance man”. (Biography.com editors)

Event #11

1464

In 1464, peace is renewed between England and Scotland. This event is important in the history of the world because it eventually leads to the unification of England and Scotland into Great Britain (Grun 210).

Event #2

1469

In 1469, da Vinci’s father saw his son’s enmense talent. So, he brought him to Florence to study as an apprentice with Andrea del Verrocchio, who taught painting and sculpting. Leonardo was a bit old to be an apprentice, but an acception was made. This event is significant because it shaped Leonardo to achieve his full potential. (Barter 56) and (History.com Staff)

Event #3

1472

In 1472, Leonardo da Vinci became a member of the company of St. Luke, in Florence. This event assisted in raising Leonardo’s social status. It also was one of the leading events that started his career. (Clayton 7)

Event #4

1481

In 1481, March, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned for his first major work: the Adoration of the Magi. He begun the sketch in Florence, and continued it in Milan. He received his last payment in September. This event is significant because it contributed to the beginning of da Vinci’s career. (Barter 57)

Event #5

1483

In 1483, da Vinci enters the service of Ludovico Sforza. He then begins "Cecilia Gallerani", a portrait of Ludovico's mistress. This is a significant event because it marks the beginning of the commissioner for many important works by da Vinci (Clayton 7) and (Barter 61).

Event #12

1486

In 1486 the Portuguese discovered Angola. The discovery of Angola is significant because it expanded the Portuguese empire from West Africa, enriching the world with their cultural expansion (Grun 212).

Event #13

1490

In 1490, the first orphanage was formed in Italy and Holland.This was extremely significant because with the first orphanage, eventually they would spread everywhere for millions of orphans to be cared for (Grun 215).

Event #14

1493

In 1493, Columbus left Spain on a second voyage. This event is historically significant because with these voyages, our world was expanding both culturally and literally (Grun 215).

Event #6

1495

Around 1495, Leonardo da Vinci probably started "The Last Supper". This was a mural commissioned by the current Duke of Milan at the time - Ludovico Sforza. But, it unfortunately deteriorated because he used tempera on dried plaster. This work was very significant because it was one of da Vinci's most famous (Barter 61) and (Clayton 7).

Event #7

1499

In 1499, the french captured Milan. They forced Leonardo da Vinci to flee to Florence. This event had significance because later on, it led to da Vinci's association with the french (Barter 64).

Event #15

1501

In 1501, Columbus discovered Honduras and Panama. This event is historically significant because it also contributed to the expansion of our world, for we were spreading to different continents (Grun 229).

Event #8

1503

In 1503, the Mona Lisa was undertaken. This piece was in progress for three years because of da Vinci's meticulous details. This event is significant because it's da Vinci's most famous piece, most because of the event of which it was stolen and revived years later (History.com Staff) and (Barter 65).

Event #9

1506

Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned to work for the French in 1506 by the french leader that had previously taken over Milan. But, in 1514, after da Vinci was commissioned to do small works by Pope Leo X, he couldn't finish his assignments on time. So, da Vinci was fired, the significance of this event finalizing his career (Barter 66).

Event #16

1512

In 1512, a war was commenced between Russia and Poland. This event was significant to ultimately fight for the title of a more powerful country (Grun 231).

Event #10

1519

Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 at Amboise by an unknown cause. He was buried by his close friend, Francis I. This event is significant because after his death is when Leonardo da Vinci's works such as "The Last Supper", "Mona Lisa", and "Vitruvian Man". Da Vinci was also an architect, an innovator, military engineer, and a draftsman - A true Renaissance man (Biography.com Editors) and (Clayton 7).