Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci and Individualism

Throughout history there has never been such an influential person as Leonardo da Vinci. His impact on society can be seen even today because of his special attention to individualism in everything that he did. He was truly a man before his time, with his radical new ideas and original outlook on life, he turned the tide of every aspect of life during his life time. With his curiosity in many fields, his influences can be seen today in sculpture, architecture, engineering, anatomy and painting.

Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, a small town just outside Florence. He was the illegitimate son of a 25-year-old notary, Ser Piero, and a peasant girl, Caterina (Kellard). Shortly after being born, Ser Piero took custody of Leonardo and raised him in his home. As Leonardo grew up, he dove into the scholarly texts that he had access to that belonged to his family and friends (Renaissance Man). At the age of 15, Leonardo was sent to Florence to be an apprentice in the Art Workshop of Andrea del Verrochio, who was a distinguished artist. After staying there until he was 25, he entered the service of the Duke of Milan. There the Duke had him painting and sculpting but also had him designing weapons and new machinery for war. After working for the Duke for 17 years, Leonardo setoff for the next 16 years, painting and sculpting throughout Italy for a number of people. In March of 1516, he was offered the title of Premier Painter and Engineer and Architect of the King by Francis I in France, which he accepted (Renaissance Man). Leonardo died on May 2, 1519 in France. Legend has it that King Francis was cradling Leonardo's head in his arms when he died (Renaissance Man).

Leonardo was born at the very beginning of the Early Renaissance but his work helped launch his society into the High Renaissance. With Leonardo’s work came a new kind of thinking, individualism. This idea is the free expression of an individual’s...