Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Vinci, the illegitemate son of Master Piero, a public notary, and his companion Caterina. Leonardo was the supreme example of Renaissance genius, who possessed one of the greatest minds of all time. As a painter, the Florentine produced such masterpieces as the 'Virgin of the Rocks' (1483), the 'Last Supper' (1495-97), and 'Mona Lisa' (1503-06). As an architect, Leonardo worked on the cathedral of Milan and the restoration of the cathedral at Piacenza. As an engineer and scientist he investigated problems in geology, botany, hydraulics, mechanics, aerodynamics, and anatomy. At age 17, Leonardo moved with his father to Florence, where Leonardo apprenticed to Verrocchio, where his brilliance soon eclipsed that of his master. In 1472 Leonardo became a member of the painter's guild of Florence. In 1476 he was denounced by the Night Watch, but was acquited of the charge of immoral conduct.
One of his most popular early works, 'The Adoration of the Magi,' was painted in 1481 for the Monastery of San Donato a Scopeto as an altar piece. …