Leonardo da Vinci, artist and inventor: “Genius men begin great works, hardworking men finish them”

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, and he grew into one of the most extraordinary figures of the Italian Renaissance.

His brilliance stretched far beyond painting—he excelled in sculpture, architecture, science, engineering, anatomy, literature, philosophy, and even early urban planning. He became the ultimate example of the “Renaissance man,” someone whose curiosity and talent seemed limitless.

Among his most iconic works are The Mona Lisa, the oil‑on‑panel portrait of Lisa Gherardini that now draws millions to the Louvre each year, and The Last Supper, the monumental mural depicting Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. These masterpieces didn’t just shape art history—they continue to inspire scholars, artists, and admirers around the world.

Da Vinci also left behind memorable reflections on life and creativity. Two of his best‑known sayings include: “Great men begin great works; hard‑working men finish them” and “He who truly knows what he’s talking about has no reason to raise his voice.”

A complicated beginning

Leonardo was born out of wedlock—the son of Ser Piero, a Florentine notary, and Caterina, a local peasant woman. Despite the social stigma of the time, his father acknowledged him from birth and ensured he received a strong education. That early support proved essential to the development of one of history’s greatest minds.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Leonardo’s notebooks is that many of them are written in mirror script—backwards, from right to left. Historians have debated the reason for centuries. Some believe he used the technique to protect his ideas from prying eyes. Others think it was simply practical: as a left‑handed writer, reversing the script may have helped him avoid smudging the ink.

A legacy that reaches modern pop culture

Leonardo’s influence extends far beyond museums and history books. He even appears as a character in the video game Assassin’s Creed II, where players encounter him as a friend and inventive collaborator who helps upgrade equipment throughout Renaissance Italy. It’s a testament to how deeply his legacy resonates—even in digital worlds.

His final years

Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519, at age 67. He spent his last years at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, in France’s Loire Valley, where he continued to work, experiment, and create until the very end. Today, the estate stands as a museum dedicated to his life and genius.

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