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1503: Mona Lisa - Begins work on his most iconic painting
Around 1503, Leonardo began work on the Mona Lisa, a portrait of a woman believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant. Renowned for her enigmatic smile, the Mona Lisa exemplifies Leonardo’s skill in sfumato—a technique that uses fine shading to create soft transitions between colors and shapes. The painting’s fame and Leonardo’s attention to detail make the Mona Lisa one of the most recognizable works of art worldwide. -
1452: Birth Leonardo is born in Vinci, Italy
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in the small village of Vinci, near Florence, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of a notary, Ser Piero, and a peasant woman, Caterina. Raised in a rural setting, Leonardo displayed an early curiosity and fascination with nature, which would profoundly influence his future work. As a child, he showed signs of artistic talent and intellectual curiosity, interests that would later shape him into one of history’s most celebrated polymaths. -
1472: Guild of St. Luke - Becomes a member, starting his art career
At age 20, Leonardo became a member of the Guild of St. Luke in Florence, an association for artists and doctors, marking the official start of his career as a painter and artist. Membership in the guild allowed him to work independently and undertake his own commissions. During this time, Leonardo trained in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, one of Florence’s leading artists, learning techniques in painting, sculpture, and metalworking. -
1495: The Last Supper - Begins work on this famous painting in Milan
In 1495, Leonardo began working on The Last Supper, one of his most renowned masterpieces, commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Painted on the wall of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this mural captures the moment Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him. The Last Supper established Leonardo’s reputation as a master artist, demonstrating his unique ability to combine realism with complex emotional depth. -
1519: Death - Passes away in Amboise, France
Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519, in Amboise, France, where he had spent the last years of his life under the patronage of King Francis I. His contributions to art, science, engineering, and anatomy left a profound impact on future generations, influencing fields ranging from painting to aviation. Leonardo was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the grounds of the Château d'Amboise, leaving behind a legacy as one of the Renaissance's greatest minds.