This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
Five hundred years after his death, the life of Leonardo da Vinci remains an enigma. Born out of wedlock in 15th-century Italy, he was deprived of maternal love and formal schooling, yet went on to become a celebrated high achiever.
Da Vinci's curiosity and innovative spirit led him to answer many questions on his own, including why the sky is blue. He entered the circles of power when his father placed him under the tutelage of Andrea del Verrocchio, a prominent artist in Florence.
Da Vinci's work for powerful patrons, including the Medici family and French king Francis I, showcased his exceptional talent. He was acquitted of charges of sodomy in Florence, but the evidence of his private life remains circumstantial.
Da Vinci's mastery of human anatomy was unparalleled, and his insatiable curiosity led him to dissect humans, including a woman with an unborn baby. He obtained his specimens from medical schools and conducted meticulous anatomical studies to determine the nerves that trigger facial expressions.
Da Vinci's legacy extends beyond his art, with his innovative spirit and curiosity continuing to inspire generations.
