Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is considered the quintessential example of the 'Renaissance Man,' a person with broad genius in many fields.

As a painter, he created masterpieces like the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper.'

He pioneered artistic techniques such as 'sfumato,' a method of creating soft, hazy transitions between colors.

Beyond painting, Leonardo was a brilliant scientist and inventor.

His private notebooks are filled with thousands of pages of detailed drawings and observations on a vast range of subjects.

He conducted pioneering studies of human anatomy through the dissection of corpses, producing incredibly accurate anatomical drawings.

As an engineer, he designed numerous machines, including flying machines, armored vehicles (tanks), and hydraulic systems, that were centuries ahead of their time.

He also made significant contributions to botany, geology, and architecture.

Leonardo worked for powerful patrons in Florence, Milan, and France during his career.

His boundless curiosity and creative genius embody the spirit of the Renaissance.