Inventor, painter, architect – was there anything that Leonardo Da Vinci couldn’t do? Perhaps the most famous name to emerge from the European Renaissance, Da Vinci helped to change the world forever in just a few simple ways. But how much about his life and work do we really know? Let’s take a look at some fun facts about Leonardo Da Vinci, and why he’s so revered after centuries.
1. Not all of Da Vinci’s work survived.
Da Vinci has helped to bring to life some truly magnificent paintings and creations – but his biggest-ever work, ‘Leonardo’s Horse’, didn’t survive the 15th Century. It was a 20-foot statue of a Duke’s father riding on horseback, and it took Da Vinci 17 years to build. However, it was tragically shot to pieces in a French raid.
2. He wasn’t well-educated – if at all!
Da Vinci never went to school. There are many geniuses and brilliant people who can say the same! However, Da Vinci learned from his natural surroundings in Tuscany, taking inspiration from wildlife and nature.
3. He was a massive animal lover.
Da Vinci cared deeply about animals. He wrote many diary entries and missives complaining of animals’ treatment at the hand of human superiors and would actually buy birds in cages in the interest of freeing them.
4. King of the procrastinators?
Da Vinci was infamous for leaving work unfinished. For one thing, he was known for being extremely slow and careful with his work. However, with much commissioned work, he received payments, but often didn’t deliver the full goods!
However, that hasn’t stopped his unfinished work going on display. For example, you can still see his unfinished painting, The Adoration of the Magi, in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.
5. Is the Mona Lisa smiling?
Studies show that, overwhelmingly, there is belief that the Mona Lisa is smiling. Da Vinci never revealed whether the subject in his painting was amused or being coy. Software apparently analyzes that Mona Lisa is 83% happy.
6. Who even was Mona Lisa?
This, too, is another mystery. Despite Da Vinci’s huge impact on the world, much of his famous work remains mysterious and open to interpretation.
In fact, the Mona Lisa is another painting which is unfinished. Who knows what plans the artist had in mind for the final few touches?
7. Da Vinci escaped death at the hands of the law.
Da Vinci went missing for a few years and was almost put to death as a result of sodomy allegations. However, there were no witnesses to solidify the charges.
8. Did Da Vinci invent colour-by-numbers?
It’s thought that Da Vinci’s painting technique helped to fuel the colour-by-numbers phenomenon. This is because it’s thought Da Vinci used to teach his students to paint through numbered grids. Colour-by-numbers kits have been around since the 1950s and can help many people learn how to paint.
9. Da Vinci even had a musical streak!
Despite his lack of formal schooling, Da Vinci was a musician through training. He actually learnt how to play the lyre, and then went onto paint through the guidance of fellow Florentine legend Andrea del Verrocchio. It was del Verrocchio who introduced Da Vinci to the natural world.
FAQs about Leonardo Da Vinci
What was Leonardo Da Vinci most famous for?
Da Vinci was most famous for his artwork, such as his painting of the Mona Lisa, but he was also a skilled inventor and musician.
When did Leonardo Da Vinci die?
Da Vinci passed away in May 1519. He was 67 years old, and it’s thought he died from a stroke.
What was Leonardo Da Vinci’s IQ?
Da Vinci’s IQ was said to be as high as 220 - well beyond genius level!
Do you know any interesting facts about Leonardo da Vinci? Share them in the comments below!
