Leonardo da Vinci, born on April 15, 1452, near Vinci, Tuscany, was the illegitimate son of Florentine notary Ser Piero and a peasant woman, Caterina di Meo Lippi. His birthplace remains uncertain, though local traditions suggest Anchiano, a village providing privacy for his birth. Leonardo had little contact with his 16 half-siblings, born from his parents’ subsequent marriages.
His childhood, largely undocumented, involved living with his paternal grandfather, Antonio, in Vinci from at least 1457. His artistic talents were recognized early, leading to a minimal education focused on basic literacy, arithmetic, and writing. Leonardo's first remembered experience, a kite opening his mouth with its tail, remains a subject of debate over its authenticity.
In the mid-1460s, Leonardo and his family relocated to Florence, then a hub of Christian Humanist thought. By around age 14, he joined Andrea del Verrocchio's workshop, becoming an apprentice at 17. This training exposed him to various skills, including painting, sculpture, and mechanics. Here, he likely met contemporary artists like Botticelli and Perugino.
Leonardo's association with the Medici family and the Platonic Academy introduced him to important Humanist thinkers and led to his assignment to Ludovico il Moro in Milan as an ambassador. His initial masterpieces, such as the "Adoration of the Magi," were begun during these years but remained unfinished as he moved to Milan around 1482.
In Milan, Leonardo's major works included the Virgin of the Rocks and The Last Supper, signifying his growing artistic and intellectual prowess. He engaged in diverse projects, ranging from pageants to technical and architectural designs, including plans for a colossal equestrian statue, the Gran Cavallo, which was never completed. His work for Ludovico Sforza also encompassed the decoration of the Sala delle Asse in Sforza Castle, showcasing his mastery in trompe-l'œil.
Leonardo's multifaceted skills and interests, ranging from scientific studies to artistic innovations, marked his early life and initial career. His contributions during this period, whether completed or not, significantly impacted the Renaissance artistic landscape, foreshadowing his enduring legacy as a polymath and a visionary artist.