Birth of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of Ser Piero, a notary, and a peasant woman named Caterina.
1452
1466
Apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio
At the age of 14, Leonardo da Vinci began an apprenticeship with the renowned artist Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. Here, he learned various artistic skills and techniques.
1472
Membership in the Guild of St. Luke
Leonardo da Vinci was accepted into the Guild of St. Luke, a professional association of artists and doctors of medicine in Florence, which marked the beginning of his professional career as an artist.
1478
First Independent Commission
Leonardo received his first independent commission to paint an altarpiece for the Chapel of St. Bernard in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence.
1482
Move to Milan
Leonardo da Vinci moved to Milan to work for Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. He was employed as a painter and engineer.
1495
The Last Supper
Leonardo began work on "The Last Supper," a mural painting located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It was completed in 1498 and is one of his most famous works.
1500
Return to Florence
After the fall of Ludovico Sforza, Leonardo returned to Florence, where he continued his work as an artist and engineer.
1503
Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci began painting the "Mona Lisa," which would become one of the most famous and iconic portraits in the history of art. The painting was completed around 1506.
1506
Second Milanese Period
Leonardo returned to Milan, where he worked for the French rulers who had taken control of the city. He continued his work in engineering, anatomy, and painting.
1513
Move to Rome
Leonardo moved to Rome, where he worked under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici. During this period, he focused on scientific studies and engineering projects.
1516
Move to France
Leonardo da Vinci moved to France at the invitation of King Francis I. He spent his final years at the Château du Clos Lucé near Amboise, where he continued his work and studies.
1519
Death of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519, in Amboise, France. He was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the castle of Amboise.
1651
Publication of Leonardo's Notebooks
Leonardo's notebooks, which contained his scientific and artistic studies, were published posthumously, revealing his extensive contributions to various fields of knowledge.
1797
Mona Lisa Moved to the Louvre
The "Mona Lisa" was moved to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it remains one of the most visited and celebrated artworks in the world.
2017
Salvator Mundi Auction
"Salvator Mundi," a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, was sold at auction for $450.3 million, setting a record for the most expensive painting ever sold.
