Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was a true Renaissance genius whose contributions to art, science, and engineering continue to inspire the world today.
Renowned for masterpieces like the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” Leonardo’s talents extended far beyond painting. He was an accomplished inventor, anatomist, architect, and scientist, whose curiosity led him to explore a wide array of subjects.
This timeline provides a detailed look at the key events of his life, showcasing his enduring legacy as one of history’s greatest polymaths.
| 1452 | April 15: Leonardo da Vinci is born in Vinci, a small town in Tuscany, Italy. He is the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and a peasant woman named Caterina. |
| 1467 | At age 15, Leonardo becomes an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio, a leading artist of Florence. He learns painting, sculpture, and mechanical arts. |
| 1472 | Leonardo is accepted into the Guild of Saint Luke, a guild for artists and doctors of medicine, but he continues to work with Verrocchio for a while. |
| 1473 | August 5: Leonardo creates his earliest known dated work, a pen-and-ink drawing of the Arno Valley. |
| 1475-1476 | Works on “The Baptism of Christ.” According to legend, Leonardo’s depiction of an angel was so beautiful that Verrocchio allegedly vowed never to paint again. |
| 1482 | Leonardo moves to Milan and enters the service of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. He works as a painter, engineer, and architect. |
| 1483-1486 | Begins work on “The Virgin of the Rocks,” a painting commissioned for a Milanese church. There are two versions of this painting. |
| 1495-1498 | Leonardo paints “The Last Supper” on the wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. This masterpiece showcases his skill in perspective and emotional expression. |
| 1499 | After the fall of Ludovico Sforza, Leonardo leaves Milan and travels to Venice and then Florence. |
| 1503-1506 | Leonardo begins painting the “Mona Lisa” (also known as “La Gioconda”), which he would keep with him until his death. The painting is famous for its enigmatic smile and innovative techniques. |
| 1506-1513 | Leonardo returns to Milan under the patronage of the French rulers of the city. He continues his scientific studies and works on architectural and engineering projects. |
| 1513-1516 | Leonardo moves to Rome and lives under the patronage of Giuliano de’ Medici. He studies anatomy, optics, and hydraulics but struggles to find major artistic commissions. |
| 1516 | Leonardo accepts an invitation from King Francis I of France and moves to Château du Clos Lucé near the royal residence at Amboise. He is given the title “Premier Painter, Engineer, and Architect to the King.” |
| 1519 | May 2: Leonardo da Vinci dies in Amboise, France, at the age of 67. He is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in Amboise. |
| Notebooks | Leonardo’s extensive notebooks cover anatomy, engineering, hydraulics, flight, and numerous inventions, including early designs for a helicopter, tank, and various machines. |
| Anatomical Studies | Dissected human bodies and created highly detailed anatomical drawings that were centuries ahead of their time. |
Timeline of Leonardo da Vinci
1452 April 15: Leonardo da Vinci is born in Vinci, Tuscany, Italy
Leonardo da Vinci was born in the small town of Vinci, nestled in the Tuscan region of Italy. He was the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a respected notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman.
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Despite his birth status, Leonardo’s upbringing in the rural environment of Vinci exposed him to nature, which would later influence his keen observation skills and artistic work.
1467: Apprenticeship in Florence
At the age of 15, Leonardo began an apprenticeship under Andrea del Verrocchio, a prominent artist and master of Florence.
Under Verrocchio’s guidance, Leonardo learned not only the techniques of painting and sculpture but also the fundamentals of mechanical arts and engineering. This comprehensive education laid the groundwork for Leonardo’s diverse skill set that blended art and science.
1472: Admission to the Guild of Saint Luke
Leonardo became a member of the Guild of Saint Luke, which was an important guild for artists and doctors of medicine in Florence.
Also Read: Leonardo da Vinci Facts
Despite gaining this professional status, he chose to continue working in Verrocchio’s workshop. During this period, Leonardo began to develop his unique artistic style and his curiosity for the natural world.
1473 August 5: First Known Drawing
Leonardo produced his earliest known dated work, a detailed pen-and-ink drawing of the Arno Valley. This drawing not only showcased his artistic talent but also reflected his scientific interest in geography and the natural environment. His approach to landscapes was innovative, blending realistic details with imaginative perspectives.
1475-1476: Collaboration with Verrocchio on “The Baptism of Christ”
Leonardo contributed to Verrocchio’s painting “The Baptism of Christ,” particularly painting an angel in the artwork. According to a popular anecdote, Verrocchio was so impressed and perhaps disheartened by Leonardo’s superior skill that he vowed never to paint again. This story, whether true or not, highlights Leonardo’s early talent and the recognition it garnered.
1482: Leonardo Moves to Milan
Leonardo moved to Milan to work for Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. His role extended beyond painting to engineering, architecture, and military design. He also created art and pageant designs, showcasing his versatility. During this time, Leonardo began to deepen his scientific inquiries, making Milan a pivotal chapter in his life.
1483-1486: Creation of “The Virgin of the Rocks”
Leonardo began work on “The Virgin of the Rocks,” commissioned for a Milanese church. There are two versions of this painting, reflecting both artistic experimentation and a potential dispute with the commissioning monks. The painting displayed Leonardo’s mastery of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) and his pioneering use of sfumato to create lifelike forms.
1495-1498: Painting “The Last Supper”
During his time in Milan, Leonardo painted “The Last Supper” on the wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This masterpiece, depicting Jesus and his disciples during the moment of betrayal, showcased Leonardo’s skill in perspective, composition, and conveying human emotion. Despite its later deterioration, “The Last Supper” remains one of the most studied and revered works in art history.
1499: Leonardo Leaves Milan
With the fall of his patron, Ludovico Sforza, Leonardo left Milan. He traveled to Venice and then Florence, where he continued his work as an artist and engineer. This period of displacement led to a mix of artistic creation and practical work, including designs for military defenses in Venice.
1503-1506: Painting the “Mona Lisa”
Leonardo began painting the “Mona Lisa,” also known as “La Gioconda,” during his return to Florence. The “Mona Lisa” is famed for its enigmatic smile and Leonardo’s use of sfumato to create soft transitions between colors and tones. He carried this painting with him for the rest of his life, continuously refining it.
1506-1513: Second Stay in Milan
Leonardo returned to Milan, this time under French rule. He focused heavily on scientific studies, including anatomy, botany, and engineering. His notebooks from this period are filled with observations and inventions, showcasing his multidisciplinary genius. He also taught students, passing on his artistic techniques and ideas.
1513-1516: Leonardo in Rome
Leonardo moved to Rome, where he lived under the patronage of Giuliano de’ Medici. During this time, he studied anatomy, optics, and hydraulics. However, the competitive artistic environment of Rome, including the presence of Michelangelo and Raphael, led to fewer commissions for Leonardo. Nevertheless, he continued his scientific investigations and wrote extensively in his notebooks.
1516: Leonardo Moves to France
Invited by King Francis I of France, Leonardo moved to the Château du Clos Lucé near the royal palace at Amboise. He was honored with the title “Premier Painter, Engineer, and Architect to the King.” Although his health was declining, Leonardo continued to work on his inventions and designs, offering his counsel to the king.
1519 May 2: Death of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci died at the age of 67 in Amboise, France. He was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in Amboise. His death marked the end of a life marked by artistic masterpieces, scientific inquiry, and innovation that would influence generations to come.
c. 1490: “Vitruvian Man”
Leonardo created the “Vitruvian Man,” a drawing that exemplifies the blend of art and science during the Renaissance. It depicted the ideal human proportions as described by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, symbolizing Leonardo’s belief in the harmony between man and the universe.
Notebooks: A Legacy of Innovation
Leonardo’s notebooks are filled with ideas, inventions, and observations that spanned multiple disciplines. These notebooks included sketches of machines, studies of anatomy, and designs for inventions that were centuries ahead of their time. His writings, often mirrored and coded, showcased his curiosity and the depth of his intellect.
Anatomical Studies
Leonardo’s anatomical studies involved dissecting human and animal bodies, resulting in incredibly accurate drawings of the human form. His work contributed to medical understanding, and his detailed sketches of muscles, bones, and internal organs remained relevant long after his time.