Born in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo da Vinci trained in Florence under the painter Verrocchio. His early career was marked by his development as a painter, draughtsman, and engineer, establishing him as a central figure of the High Renaissance.

His artistic practice is defined by his innovative use of sfumato and his deep interest in anatomy, botany, and optics. Beyond his paintings, his legacy is preserved in extensive notebooks that document his scientific observations and architectural designs.

Leonardo remains a foundational figure in art history, with his works and theories continuing to be the subject of global scholarly study and major institutional exhibitions.