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1452 – Born in Anchiano, near Vinci, Republic of Florence (April 15)
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At age 14, Leonardo became an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio, a leading Florentine painter and sculptor. He learns drawing, painting, sculpture, and mechanical arts.
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At age 20, Leonardo is accepted into the Guild of Saint Luke, a professional guild of artists and doctors of medicine in Florence.
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Leonardo moves to Milan, offering his services to Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
He works as a military engineer, architect, sculptor, and painter. -
Begins painting "The Virgin of the Rocks", one of his early masterpieces.
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Works on the "Gran Cavallo", a massive equestrian statue commissioned by Ludovico Sforza.
The project is never completed due to war; the clay model is destroyed in 1499 -
Paints "The Last Supper" in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan — one of his most famous works.
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French forces invade Milan; the Sforza family is overthrown. Leonardo leaves Milan and begins traveling.
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Returns to Florence; works on various projects including: "Madonna of the Yarnwinder" Begins "The Battle of Anghiari" (a mural that was never completed) Starts painting the "Mona Lisa" (begun c. 1503, likely finished years later)
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Returns to Milan under French rule.
Works for the French governor Charles d'Amboise, focusing more on scientific studies, anatomy, and engineering. -
Lives in Rome under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici.
Works on scientific experiments, anatomy, and engineering, but receives fewer major commissions. -
Invited by King Francis I of France, Leonardo moves to Château du Clos Lucé, near the king's residence at Amboise.
Named “Premier Painter, Engineer, and Architect to the King”. -
May 2, 1519: Leonardo dies at age 67 in Amboise, France.
Buried in the chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château d'Amboise.