Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Philosophy/Focus
Leonardo advocated the integration of art and science, believed in direct observation as a source of knowledge, and valued experimentation and innovation.
Impact & Influence
Leonardo has left a lasting mark on fields as diverse as painting, sculpture, science, engineering, and anatomy.
Bio Snapshot
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was an Italian polymath, one of the great geniuses of the Renaissance, known as much for his art as for his inventions. His skills as a painter, scientist, and inventor reflect an insatiably curious and creative mind.
Key Quotes
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
“He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards the ship without rudder or compass.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
Notable Works
- The Mona Lisa
- The Last Supper
- The Vitruvian Man
- The Hammer Codex
Further Readings
- “Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson: A biography exploring the life and mind of Leonardo.
- “The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci”: A collection of writings and sketches that offer an intimate look at his creative process.
- “Leonardo’s Legacy: How da Vinci Reimagined the World” by Stefan Klein: An exploration of how Leonardo changed the way we see the world.
- Biography on Wikipedia
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Works
- Biography in the Encyclopaedia Britannica