Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous painters in history. He is also known for his many inventions and contributions to science.
Here are ten fun facts about Leonardo da Vinci:
1. Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, in the town of Vinci in Italy.
2. His full name was Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, which means “Leonardo, son of (Mes)ser Piero from Vinci.”
3. As a young boy, Leonardo was apprenticed to the artist Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence.
4. One of Leonardo’s earliest paintings is The Annunciation (c. 1472-1475), which he painted while still an apprentice under Verrocchio. Another is probably the most famous paintings in the world, Mona Lisa.
5. In 1481, at the age of 29, Leonardo moved to Milan at the invitation of Duke Ludovico Sforza to work as an engineer and architect for the duke’s court.
6. While in Milan, Leonardo painted The Last Supper (c. 1495-1498), one of his most famous works and perhaps the most reproduced painting ever made.
7. In 1499, Leonardo left Milan for Venice, where he worked on a project to build a bridge across the Grand Canal.
8. In 1502, Leonardo began working in Florence again, this time for Pope Julius II. He painted the pope’s tomb, which was never completed.
9. He invented the anemometer, flying machine, parachute and the helicopter!
10. Leonardo died on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67 in Amboise, France.
