Leonardo daVinci was another artist with ties to the Medici family. He was an emissary for Lorenzo de' Medici, sent at one point to go to Milan to deliver a silver lyre to an important military leader. Born in the Florence Region, daVinci grew up in the heart of the Italian Renaissance, working as an apprentice to many influential sculptors and painters. His unquenchable imagination led him to study and explore nearly everything. Using principles of perspective and science he visualized war weapons such as helicopters and tanks and simultaneously became a skilled painter.
Leonardo daVinci encapsulated the spirit of inquiry, a key component to the Renaissance mindset. Known as the “Renaissance Man”, daVinci found himself occupied with scientific and artistic endeavors that ranged from subjects such as botany to sculpting. He employed many of the concepts that were previously codified by masterminds like Brunelleschi, Alberti and Masaccio.
Along with his study of linear concepts of perspective, daVinci was involved in an intense study of human beings. He drew countless diagrams of the human body, exploring the structures of anatomy and likening them to other creations such as the earth itself. This will be surveyed later in the video display.
Being a man of many talents, da Vinci was also recognized for his talent in portraiture. In several of his pieces, even his most well known, such as the Mona Lisa, we see how da Vinci was revolutionary in his style and technique of portraiture. He created a sense of mystery, and emotion that is almost palpable to the viewers. He was able to create such a psychological realness and rawness that exposed the inner workings of the individuals whom he portrayed. This talent is noted in two of his works specifically, Last Supper and Cecelia Gallerani.
Being a man of many talents, da Vinci was also recognized for his talent in portraiture. In several of his pieces, even his most well known, such as the Mona Lisa, we see how da Vinci was revolutionary in his style and technique of portraiture. He created a sense of mystery, and emotion that is almost palpable to the viewers. He was able to create such a psychological realness and rawness that exposed the inner workings of the individuals whom he portrayed. This talent is noted in two of his works specifically, Last Supper and Cecelia Gallerani.
The Graphic below will provide specific examples of the progressive and forward-thinking artistic career of Leonardo daVinci in regard to art, science and humanism within the Renaissance.