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Leonardo da Vinci was born in Anchiano, Italy. -
Leonardo da Vinci began his apprenticeship around the age of 14 in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence, likely in the early 1460s (around 1466). Verrocchio was a prominent artist of the time—both a painter and sculptor—and ran one of the most respected workshops in Florence. This apprenticeship played a crucial role in Leonardo’s development.
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After completing his apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio, Leonardo da Vinci became an independent master around 1472, when he was about 20 years old. This is the year he was accepted into the Guild of Saint Luke (Compagnia di San Luca), the painters' and doctors' guild in Florence. Being part of this guild officially allowed him to work on his own, take commissions, and establish himself professionally.
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In 1482, Leonardo da Vinci left Florence and entered the service of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, where he worked for nearly 17 years (until around 1499). He joined the Milanese court not only as a painter, but also explicitly as an engineer, architect, military designer, and even a musician.
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Leonardo da Vinci began writing treatises on painting, architecture, mechanics, and anatomy to record his observations and share his ideas. These writings showed his curiosity about both art and science, blending creativity with careful study. Although many of his treatises were never formally published during his lifetime, his notebooks reveal groundbreaking studies that influenced both Renaissance art and later scientific thought
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During his 17 years in Milan, Leonardo da Vinci worked under the patronage of Duke Ludovico Sforza. In this time, he produced engineering designs, sculptures, and paintings. One of the most famous works he completed there is this masterpiece. This masterpiece is significant because it captures the dramatic moment when Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him, showing each disciple’s emotional reaction with incredible detail and realism.
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Leonardo da Vinci completed his monumental wall painting, The Last Supper, in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. This masterpiece depicts the dramatic moment when Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. Leonardo’s use of perspective, emotion, and detail made the scene more lifelike and innovative for its time, securing its place as one of the greatest achievements of the Renaissance.
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At the end of his life, Leonardo da Vinci left his drawings and notebooks to his devoted pupil, Francesco Melzi, ensuring that his knowledge and ideas would be preserved. Legend also suggests that King Francis I of France, who greatly admired Leonardo, was at his side when he died in 1519. This shows both his lasting influence on future generations and the respect he earned from rulers of his time.
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. In his final years, he lived under the patronage of King Francis I of France, who deeply admired him and provided him with a home at the Château du Clos Lucé near the royal residence. Leonardo left behind his vast collection of notebooks, sketches, and studies to his pupil Francesco Melzi, who helped preserve much of his legacy. His death marked the end of a brilliant life that blended art, science, and invention, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the world.