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Leonardo (1452-1519) was born in Vinci, between Pisa and Florence. Because he was illegitimate, the son of a Florentine notary and a peasant woman, scholarly professions were denied him, but his artisan training inspired him to explore the visible world in every possible way.
At the age of 18 Leonardo began studying under painter and engineer Andrea del Verrochio whose pupils included Botticelli and Perugino. Leonardo showed exceptional skills and flourished.
At the age of 18 Leonardo began studying under painter and engineer Andrea del Verrochio whose pupils included Botticelli and Perugino. Leonardo showed exceptional skills and flourished.
The powerful Duke of Milan Ludovico Sforza commissioned his expertise in 1482 and it was in his service that Leonardo created his masterpiece The Last Supper. It was painted directly on to a refectory wall in the Santa Maria delle Grazie, but dampness and the method used meant that it deteriorated quickly after completion.
However, his genius went far wider than art, to merge science and engineering, among other projects designing a hydraulic irrigation system. Paradoxically he often would start a project and leave it unfinished.
However, his genius went far wider than art, to merge science and engineering, among other projects designing a hydraulic irrigation system. Paradoxically he often would start a project and leave it unfinished.
