Name: Edgar Alan Figueroa Santos — 20230036

Grethel Abigail Gutiérrez Rivas — 20230338

Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci

Biography

Leonardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was one of the greatest
geniuses of the Renaissance, recognized for his astonishing ability to master
multiple disciplines. Born in the small village of Vinci, near Florence, he was the
illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant woman. From a young age he
showed an extraordinary talent for drawing, which led him, at the age of 14, to
be an apprentice in the workshop of the master Andrea del Verrocchio, where
he learned not only painting and sculpture, but also mechanics, carpentry,
chemistry and metallurgy. Throughout his life, Leonardo combined art with
science, continually exploring new ways of representing the world around him.
As a painter, he created immortal works such as “The Mona Lisa” and “The Last
Supper,” which not only stand out for their technical mastery, but also for the
deep psychological expression of the characters. These paintings reflect his
quest to capture the emotional complexity and humanity of his subjects, using
innovative techniques such as “sfumato,” which created smooth transitions
between colors and shadows, giving his figures unprecedented realism.

However, Leonardo did not limit himself to art. His insatiable curiosity led him to
study anatomy, dissecting cadavers to better understand the human body,
which was reflected in detailed and precise drawings that are still considered
advances in medical science. He also ventured into fields such as botany,
geology, physics, optics and hydraulics. His notebooks, filled with sketches and
annotations, include visionary ideas such as designs for flying machines,
submarines, and combat vehicles, many of which could not be built in his time
due to technological limitations. During his life, Leonardo worked in Florence,
Milan and Rome, serving several powerful patrons, including Ludovico Sforza,
Duke of Milan, and the powerful Medici in Florence. In 1516, he accepted the
invitation of King Francis I of France, who offered him to live at the Château de
Clos-Lucé, near his royal residence. There, Leonardo spent his final years,
concentrating on his scientific and philosophical studies, although weakened by
paralysis in his right hand.

Leonardo died in 1519, leaving a legacy that endures to this day. Although he
completed relatively few paintings throughout his life, his impact on art, science
and engineering has been immense. He is remembered not only as a great
painter, but as a true Renaissance Man, whose ability to unite art with science
continues to inspire entire generations.
 Important Works

The Mona Lisa (1503-1506)

It is one of his most famous paintings, this being a portrait of a woman with an
enigmatic expression, which is considered one of the most important works in
the history of art. This was commissioned by Francesco del Giocondo, a
wealthy Florentine merchant, as a portrait of his wife, Lisa Gherardini. Although
it was a commission, Leonardo worked on it for several years and it is possible
that he never gave it to the family. It is believed that the painting was an
opportunity for Leonardo to experiment with new techniques, such as the use of
“sfumato” (a blurring technique to create smooth transitions between colors and
shadows) and to explore the psychology of human expression.

The Last Supper (1495-1498)

A mural fresco in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, showing the
moment when Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him. This
painting was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, to decorate
the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The work represents
the dramatic moment in which Jesus announces to his disciples that one of
them will betray him. Leonardo not only wanted to capture a key religious event,
but also study the emotional reactions of the characters, exploring the
psychology of each one in this moment of tension.
The Virgin of the Rock (1483-1486)

There are two versions of this work, both showing the Virgin Mary with the baby
Jesus, Saint John the Baptist and an angel in a rocky landscape. This work was
part of a commission for a chapel in the church of San Francesco Grande in
Milan. Leonardo was commissioned to create a work about the Immaculate
Conception. Through this work, Leonardo experimented with the use of the
landscape as a background and the play of light and shadow to create a
mystical and naturalistic atmosphere.

The Vitruvian Man (C.1490)

A famous drawing depicting the ideal proportions of the human body, based on
the work of the Roman architect Vitruvius. Although it is not a painting, but a
drawing, it is one of Leonardo's most iconic works. It is based on the writings of
the Roman architect Vitruvius on the proportions of the human body. For
Leonardo, this drawing was a way to demonstrate his interest in the harmony
between man and the universe, and the mathematical relationship between
human proportions and architecture. It is both an artistic and scientific study on
the ideal dimensions of the body.
The Annunciation (C.1472-1475)

It represents the Virgin Mary being informed by the angel Gabriel that she will
give birth to the Son of God. It was painted when Leonardo was working in
Andrea del Verrocchio's workshop, and was probably commissioned for a
church or convent. The work represents the biblical moment in which the angel
Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. It
was a traditional religious subject, but Leonardo approached it with his
characteristic interest in realism and perspective, using a detailed natural
landscape and studying the interaction between the figures.

Saint John the Baptist (1513-1516)

A portrait of Saint John with a mysterious expression, pointing towards the sky.
It is believed that Leonardo painted this work during his last years in France,
possibly commissioned by King Francis I or out of personal interest in the
religious theme. Saint John the Baptist was an important figure in Christianity
and in this painting, Leonardo presents him in an ambiguous way, with a
mysterious expression and symbolic gestures. This work stands out for its use
of “sfumato” and attention to light and shadows, characteristics of Leonardo's
mature style.