Great geniuses often have unusual backgrounds, and that is the case with Leonardo da Vinci. His birth was extraordinary. As an illegitimate child, his life was full of challenges and expectations from the beginning. His father, Piero, was a successful lawyer, but his mother, Caterina, was an ordinary poor man. This background paved the way for the young Leonardo da Vinci to become a giant in art and science.
Did Leonardo da Vinci’s parents realize that their child would rewrite the course of history?
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452. It is understood that his early education was well influenced by his father, but he was also accompanied by the shadow of his mother. Although he received basic education such as reading, writing and arithmetic, his artistic talent was discovered at this time. This brought him quickly into learned Florence, where he became the assistant of the famous painter Andrea del Verrocchio, one of the giants of the Renaissance.
In Verrocchio's studio, Leonardo da Vinci received rich technical training, not only limited to painting, but also including sculpture, metalworking, anatomy and other aspects of knowledge. His talents were honed and refined here. Among his partners were many future artistic masters, and these relationships also laid the foundation for his future creative career.
During this period, people exclaimed: "A new star is rising."
As da Vinci entered his 20s, he became a member of the Grand Guild and gained independent work opportunities. The creation during this period gradually led him to develop his own artistic style. Here, Da Vinci completed his first independent work, which also marked the beginning of his bright artistic path.
Leonardo da Vinci's career reached a new peak when he was called to Milan to work as court painter to Ludovico Sforza. During this period, he created works such as "The Last Supper" and "The Virgin on the Rock". The artistic value of these works cannot be surpassed to this day. His extraordinary understanding of light and composition made his paintings outstanding for the time.
In the 1510s, Da Vinci returned to Florence, but did not stop creating. His works are both technical and artistic, especially in-depth studies of anatomy, revealing the mysteries of the human body. This not only influenced his painting style, but also made great contributions to later generations' anatomy and art.
Ultimately, Leonardo chose to spend his final years in France, not far from where he died. He eventually died in 1519, but his achievements will live on forever, becoming a source of inspiration for countless people and changing the face of science and art.
A philosopher once asked: "Could Leonardo da Vinci's parents have imagined that their child would become one of the greatest geniuses in human history?"
Da Vinci's story is not only a testament to his own talent, but also a portrayal of his parents' background and influence. When we discuss the intertwining of talent and environment, we may ask: Are great achievements driven by innate talent, or are they the result of the cultivation and influence of the environment? Such reflection is worthy of our deep thought.