Leonardo da Vinci: The Great Artist

Birth

Apr 15, 1452

Leonardo was born in April 15, 1452, on a Saturday. He was born in Tuscany, Vinci, and lived there for most of his early childhood. (McLanathan 7)

Nature's Power

Period: Jan 1, 1456 to Jan 1, 1466

A hurricane ravages Florentine land in 1456, close to Leonardo's own home. A flood later swept through the land in 1466. Both were clearly visible, and struck Leonardo with awe at how destructive and catyclysmic they both were.

Reunions and Denial

Jan 1, 1464

In 1464, at the age of 12, Leonardo visited his father, whom was scarcely around. During this time, also, he had applied to 7 guilds, and 1 university, and was rejected out of all of them. His father then put him under apprenticeship to someone else. (McLanathan 15)

First Signs of Success

Jan 1, 1476

Leonardo had finally been able to work on the Baptism of Christ, along with his master at-the-time, Verrocchio. The angels and the mountains Leonardo painted were radiant, and showed mystery. They contrasted strongly to Verrocchio's bony and straight artstyle (McLanathan 18-19)

A Sudden Move

Sep 1, 1478

Florence is torn by the recent murder of 2 of the Medici family. Leonardo decides to go to Milan, where he joins the court. Leonardo applied to Ludovico Sforza to become a military architect, as well (Rowland 1)

Virgin of the Rocks

Jan 1, 1483

Leonardo paints the first 2 versions of one of his more famed paintings, the VIrgin of the Rocks. (McLanathan 41)

The Last Supper

Jan 1, 1492

Leonardo begins to paint one of his most famed paintings, the Last Supper. He is assigned to draw a powerful scene with Christ. He then spends some time prospecting on what to draw, before settling on drawing the moment Christ tells his fellow apostles that one of them will betray him. (McLanathan 46-48)

The Last Brushstroke

Jan 1, 1497

Leonardo finally finished the Last Supper after several years of on-and-off work. It was influential before and after its completion. However, the paint had started to deteriorate quickly, due to the paint used being an experiment in itself (Rowland 1)

Return and Commission

Jan 1, 1502

Leonardo was comissioned to paint another painting, depicting the Battle of Anghiari. He began a design for it in 1503, and began painting on the wall of the Council hall. He decided to paint it with a chalky plaster, which failed rather quickly. He never finished the painting. (Rowland 1)

Death

Jan 1, 1519

At the age of 67, the old artist had passed away quietly. He died near Amboise, France. His accomplishments would echo on, even after his death (Rowland 1)