Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most remarkable Italian Renaissance thinkers. He is most famous for his art, especially the Mona Lisa — arguably the most famous of all paintings. He conducted observations and experiments in biology, anatomy, geology, engineering, astronomy, mathematics and music. Leonardo was a great inventor. Among Leonardo’s many designs were an underwater diving suit, a robot and a glider.
SOURCE2 Adapted from Leonardo’s letter to the Duke of Milan, requesting a job
‘Most illustrious lord, I am emboldened to solicit an appointment of acquainting your Excellency with certain of my secrets. I can construct bridges which are very light and strong and very portable. In case of a siege, I can cut off water from the trenches and make pontoons and scaling ladders. I can demolish every fortress if its foundations have not been set on stone. I can also make a cannon which is light and easy of transport, causing the enemy to suffer heavy losses. I can make armoured wagons carrying artillery. In time of peace, I can give you complete satisfaction in the construction of buildings both public and private, and in conducting water from one place to another. I can execute sculpture in marble, bronze, or clay, also in painting I can do as much as anyone else.’ Leonardo was appointed by the duke and held the job for 16 years.
SkillBuilder discussion Continuity and change Study SOURCES2 and 3 . 1. Discuss how Leonardo da Vinci’s request for a job from the Duke of Milan reflected the changing role
SOURCE3 Leonardo da Vinci’s sketch and instructions for building a glider
of artists and scientists during the Renaissance.
2. What aspects of
Leonardo’s work, such as his inventions or observations of nature, show continuity with earlier Renaissance thinkers?
Did you know? Leonardo da Vinci recorded his observations, ideas and inventions in over 4000 pages of notebooks. These can only be read with a mirror because Leonardo wrote everything backwards.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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