Leonardo’s most famous and loved artwork is perhaps the Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda. Until today, people are debating the subject of this painting. Most people believe that the portrait is of Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, while a few people reckon that it is Leonardo’s self-portrait as a woman. Contrary to popular belief, Leonardo has completed very few paintings in his lifetime. Some of the paintings are recognized to be of other artists, where Leonardo was claimed to have contributed his talent. This is said to be a common practice amongst artists during the Renaissance era. However, Leonardo did complete many more drawings and studies, and unfortunately, some of his works are said to be missing. Another one of his amazing paintings, “Virgin of the Rock” took 25 years to complete. It was a subject of huge argument concerning the original agreement. Leonardo eventually was paid for his hard work after going through many complications.

Leonardo has done studies in various science fields, such as physics, dynamics, and hydraulics. He also studied the human anatomy, biology, optics, and aeronautics. Leonardo has invented many things that were considered very advanced during the Renaissance, such as a canal system for irrigation and transportation in Milan, a movable bridge for the Duke of Milan, and he made maps of Europe. Leonardo has designed many things, such as the machine gun, cannon, and gliders, ladders for climbing castle walls, well water pump, and the parachute. He also invented the turnspit for roasting meat, the scissors and the bicycle. To improve his knowledge of physiology, Leonardo even performed autopsies on corpses! Other things that he has invented or designed are a machine to make concave mirrors, a revolving stage for plays and pageants, and he created the inflatable tube so that people can float in the water. One must not forget that he also drew the first precise illustration of the human anatomy.

Leonardo resided in the Vatican, not for theology studies but for his science experimentation. One of Leonardo’s greatest paintings, “The Last Supper”, is a testimony of his sincere faith and belief in Christianity and the Holy Bible. “The Last Supper”, depicting Christ and His Disciples having a supper when He was said to be betrayed, has touch millions of hearts all around the world.

Although he was known as a man who was gracious and kind-hearted, Leonardo also has a few quirks. During his lifetime, he has written many of his notes using mirror writing. It is said that he started writing in such a way since he was very young. Leonardo da Vinci was indeed a very intelligent, talented and unique individual that should be a role model for everyone. He left the world on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67.

This is an original news article © The Kids Window

Check out our children's arts products inside.


[News Links]