One of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance: Leonardo was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician and art critic. His most famous portrait painted was the Mona Lisa. The mysterious smile of the young Italian woman has fascinated many viewers. He studied the sciences as an inventor, astronomer, botanist and geologist. In addition, he pioneered studies of flying. From his designs, it is evident that he had a great knowledge of aviation.

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Born in the little village of Vinci, Da Vinci, a talented boy, showed greatest promise in drawing and painting. Working out difficult problems in mathematics and engineering is one way that the boy showed one side of his genius. At or around 1512, Da Vinci drew his self portrait. He also painted the figure of an angel in Verrochio’s Baptism of Christ while he was a student. A lot of people thought the angel was the best part of the painting. As far as historians know, the angel was Da Vinci’s first completed work. In the early 1480s, Leonardo also painted a mural. The Last Supper, in the dining hall of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Although the colors have faded, many people consider this mural to be one of the greatest paintings in the world today.

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Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.

The multi-talented Da Vinci developed a canal system with locks still under operation. As a musician, he entertained the duke with his singing abilities. In addition, he also played various musical instruments.