LEONARDO DA VINCI
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is one of the most emblematic geniuses of the Italian Renaissance and of the history of humanity.
A painter, sculptor, engineer, anatomist, architect, and inventor, he embodies the ideal of the universal man, whose talents transcend the boundaries of art and science. His works, as rare as they are influential, continue to fascinate with their timeless beauty, technical prowess, and the depth of their meaning.
Born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, a Tuscan village, Leonardo was the illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant woman. From childhood, he displayed an exceptional talent for observation and drawing, which led his father to send him to Florence to apprentice in the workshop of Verrocchio, one of the greatest masters of the time. There, he perfected his technique and developed an interest in mechanisms, perspective, and the natural sciences—passions that would fuel his entire career.
During his lifetime, Leonardo produced some of the most famous works in the history of art. Among them, the Mona Lisa (circa 1503–1519), also known as the Mona Lisa, is considered the most famous painting in the world. Painted in oil on wood, this work revolutionized portraiture through its use of sfumato, a subtle technique that creates delicate transitions between light and shadow, and through the mystery of its subject's enigmatic expression.
Another major work by Leonardo is The Last Supper (1494-1498), a fresco painted for the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. This depiction of Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper is famous for its dynamic composition and its ability to capture human emotion. Despite its deterioration over the centuries, The Last Supper remains an iconic work, studied and admired worldwide.
In addition to his artistic output, Leonardo devoted much of his life to the study of science and engineering.
He filled his notebooks with anatomical drawings, inventions, and observations on the workings of the natural world. His studies of the human body, based on dissections, had a lasting influence on modern anatomy. Among his inventions are visionary sketches of flying machines, gears, and weapons, which demonstrate his imagination and analytical mind.
Despite his immense talent, Leonardo completed only a limited number of works due to his perfectionism and his wide-ranging interests. His notebooks, filled with notes and drawings, offer valuable insight into his creative process and his many interests. These manuscripts, such as the Codex Leicester, which sold for $30.8 million in 1994, are among the most valuable documents in history.
Today, Leonardo da Vinci's works are among the most sought-after and valuable on the art market.
In 2017, Salvator Mundi, a painting depicting Christ attributed to Leonardo, sold for a record $450.3 million, making him the most expensive artist in history. Leonardo's drawings and studies, more accessible than his paintings, also fetch impressive prices due to their rarity and historical significance.
If you own a work or document attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, our online appraisal service can help you discover its value. Through expert analysis of authenticity and provenance, we offer a rigorous and accurate assessment, essential for revealing the potential of your property.
Leonardo da Vinci's legacy extends beyond art, embracing science, philosophy, and engineering. His creations, housed in prestigious museums such as the Louvre in Paris and the National Gallery in London, continue to captivate and inspire. To own a work or reinterpretation by Leonardo is to connect with one of the most brilliant and innovative minds in human history.
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