Configuring Leonardo da Vinci

Was mankind blinded, or left in the shadows, still unable to determine its future? Reminiscent towards their past unable to capture an open state of mind, this may have been, but a new period of time was unlocked. Today known as the Renaissance, fully capable of all sciences and all development. I believe Leonardo da Vinci poses a great representation. He said, “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” He stands distinguished from many as he strives in his journey of experience through the Renaissance.

The Renaissance started in the 14th century, as did Leonardo. He was born April 15, 1452 a descendent of Messer Piero in a small village known as Vinci. This area lay in the region of Florence, Italy. At the age of fourteen Leonardo was sent off to study different skills and applications under the teachings of an artist named Verrochio such as technical skills, for example drafting, mechanics, chemistry, and carpentry, however he also pursued the technique of art in drawing, painting, sculpting, and modeling. Leonardo’s levels of sophistication and experience in the field of art were already more advanced. By the age of twenty he qualified a master in artistry and doctoring, although his father supplied him with his own workshop Leonardo’s relationship with Verrochio was so well they continued to collaborate. Verrochio also introduced Leonardo to the study of anatomy, as he proceeded with his studies he eventually became a master in the function of topographic anatomy. This field featured muscles and tendons. At the age of twenty six he stopped living in his father’s house and moved away. Leonardo da Vinci performed his first recorded painting at the age of twenty one; it was a portrait of the Arno valley. He pursued art and was given many tasks to design portraits, sculptors, and landscapes for many churches and other people, such as Ludovico Sforza the duke of Milan. Leonardo also conducted researches and studies and involving architecture, so in addition he mastered architecture, however in 1499 (the start of the second Italian war) Milan was invaded by the French army and Leonardo left Milan and began living in Venice, there he was employed as a architect and engineer.

The Renaissance period during the late middle ages is said to have began in Florence, Italy, in a region called Tuscany. However I found it coincidental that Leonardo da Vinci was a descendent of this area as well. As it spread throughout Europe its entire civilization was influenced, but by whom may this task have been carried through? Leonardo’s skills and knowledge reflecting development were so broad, yet so precise that Europe’s growth suggests they cast upon many of Da Vinci’s terms and concepts. Judging from his studies of anatomy and engineering his art was simply a mirror reflecting upon his infinite intentions. "His mind and personality seem to us superhuman, the man himself mysterious and remote. Leonardo has often been described as the archetype of the Renaissance man or universal genius, a man whose seemingly infinite curiosity was equaled only by his powers of invention. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time and perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived."