Leonardo da Vinci
Renaissance polymath whose inventions and artworks like the Mona Lisa redefined art, science, and engineering.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) epitomized the Renaissance ideal, merging art, science, and innovation. His masterpieces, including Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, showcased revolutionary techniques like sfumato. Beyond art, Leonardo’s notebooks revealed futuristic designs for helicopters, tanks, and solar power systems, blending creativity with empirical observation.
As an anatomist, Leonardo dissected human corpses to create detailed anatomical sketches, advancing medical knowledge centuries ahead of his time. His studies of hydraulics and geology influenced engineering and urban planning. Despite many unrealized projects, Leonardo’s interdisciplinary approach inspired generations. Institutions like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum preserve his legacy as a symbol of boundless curiosity.