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Apr 15, 1452
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452
Leonardo Da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, to his unmarried parents, Caterina and Ser Piero da Vinci. His mother was a peasant worker and his father was a notary. He was born near a village, 25 miles west of Florence, where he took his last name from his birthplace. Growing up Leonardo had an uneventful youth and a standard education until he reached the age of 15. (Artists of Renaissance) -
1453
Turks capture Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire was taken over by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The turks had between 100,000 and 150,000 men fighting on their side who were led by their leader Sultan Mehmed II. They had various war tactics such as large cannons and warships. This war lasted only fifty days. The turks then claimed the city immediately, naming it Istanbul. They began to make the city their own by building mosques, palaces, monuments, and a system of aqueducts.(Then Again) -
1455
The first printed Bible
Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the moveable-type printing press, constructed the first book ever printed in history. This book is known as the Bible which was printed in a latin language in Malinz, Germany. Having this new invention mean't that books could be produced in larger amounts. There was a total of 200 copies demanded to be printed. They would be printed on rag linen paper and velum animal skins. Only 23 copies still exist today. ( GUtenberg bible) -
1467
Sent to Florence to work as an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio
At a young age, Leonardo's father, Ser Piero, realized his amazing talent. His father had many clients belonging to the clergy so he knew a lot about the art market. Leonardo went to one of the best workshops in the city, Andrea del Verrocchio at age fifteen. He taught Leonardo all artistic skills and technical skills. At first Leonardo would compete small chores for Andrea del Verrocchio. When Leonardo got accepted into the painter's guilt he still continued working for del Verrocchio. -
1472
Accepted into painters guild of Florence
In 1472, Leonardo got accepted into the painters guilt of Florence. At the time, he still worked for Andrea del Verrocchio. But he decided to keep working for her, for five years more. This is significant because only masters and highly admired painters got accepted.( Britannica) -
1482
Moves to Milan to work for city's Duke, Ludovico Sforza
In 1482, Milan become working for the city's duke, Ludovico Sforza. Leonardo was now considered a master. Leonardo spent 17 years working for him as a painter, sculptor, inventor, studying science, and idea thinker. He quickly becoming painting his first major project, the Virgin of Rocks. Later, he painted the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of Milan which led to many legal problems.Living under the power of Sforza, these were some of Leonardo's most productive years. -
1498
Last Supper is finished
The Last Supper painting is one of Leonardo's most famous pieces of artwork in the world. This painting is painted for Dominican Monastery Santa Maria delle Grazie in MIlan. It illustrates Christ's final meal with Apostles before Judas recongized Christ to the authorities, who then arrest him. Christ is pictured wearing the traditional blue and red robe with a beard. Leonardo's model appears to have Jesus at the centre of an extensive table and the Apostles surrounding him on his left and right. -
1500
Leonardo returns back to Florence
In 1500, Leonardo returns back to Florence after leaving his post with Cesare Borgia for unknown reasons. Back in Florence, they wanted to advantage of Leonardo because he gained by a large reputation while he wasn't present there. The republican government had built the Pallazzo della Signoria and hired him to paint the Battle of Anghiari on one of the large wall sides. This painting represented one of Florence's historical battle. ( Spark Notes) -
1500
Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration started in the early 1500s and ended during the 1700's. This was considered one of the most important events on the western part of the globe. Countries such as Portugal, France, Spain, and England were involved in using their navigational skills to navigate the world. They all bordered the Atlantic Ocean which gave them easy access to sea ports and experienced sailors. The Exploration ended in 17th century when technological advancement and knowledge improved.(Britannica) -
1502
Begins working for Cesare Borgia
Leonardo was interested in many things besides art. Cesare Borgia who was the commander of the pope's army, gave him an experience as being an military engineer. He had dominance over all Central Italy. Leonardo got to work fast, he traveled to the Tuscan coast to inspect fortifications and draining marshes. He later traveled all over the Romagna -
May 11, 1502
Columbus fourth and final voyage
Christopher Columbus is a famous explorer who went on many voyages. His last journey he took five ships out to sea to explore the New World. Columbus's goal was to explore uncharted territories west of the Caribbean and to find a passage west that lead to the Orient. He explored parts of Southern Central America but unfortunately they got caught in a hurricane damaging their ships. The men and Columbus were then stranded on Jamaica for one year until they were brought back to Spain in 1504. -
1503
Mona Lisa is finished
The Mona Lisa is the most well-known painting to this day. This oil painting was completed on a poplar (type of tree) wood panel. The half-potrait of this women had a backdrop of a distent landscape and was so admired that it set the standards for all future potraits. Leonardo depicts a faint smile in the painting which reflects his ideas of the cosmic link connecting humanity and nature. This painted influence fashion, other painter to make more,and revolutionized contemporary potrait painting. -
1515
Battle of Marignano
The Battle of Marignano took place 10 miles southeast of Milan. It was fought between the French and Swiss Confederation. The battle was resulted with a French Victory led by Francis I. Their army contained all the best armored lancers and artillery in the world securing their chance of winning. This battle was significant because it resulted in the French recovery of Milan and the peace treaty of Genva. -
1516
King of France invites Leonardo to come to work for him
Leonardo da Vinci was the most famous painter in this time of history. In 1516, Francis I, the king of France, invites Leonardo to come live in his country and work for him. The king of France supplies Leonardo with a castle not far from Paris. Francis I didn't demand much work from Leonardo at first but when he started to have a larger reputation he demanded numerous of paintings. Later in life, Francis I and Leonardo had visits talking to each other instead of claiming paintings. (Spark Notes) -
1516
Charles V becomes Emperor of Austria and Spain
In 1516 Charles V inherited Austria and Spain from his own dynasty, Hapsburg. Charles V troubled keeping his empire together from increasing power of the Protestantism, hostility from the pope, and enlargening Ottawan and french power. Later in his life, Charles V decided to give his ruling of Spain to his son, Phillip II. His Emperor title ended up with his brother Ferdinard I. -
May 2, 1519
Leonardo da Vinci's death
On May 5, 1519 in Clos Luce, France, a talented painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, military engineer, and draftsman passed away. Dying too soon at age 67, Leonardo suffered from a stroke. Leonardo was a very dedicated person and worked on his scientific studies until his death. Leonardo da Vinci will never be forgotten.