Personal life of Leonardo da Vinci

Letter from Leonardo da Vinci to Ludovico Sforza

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was an Italian polymath whose areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. He has been variously called the father of paleontology, ichnology, and architecture, and is widely considered one of the greatest painters of all time. Despite his profound influence on the world of art and science, the personal life of Leonardo da Vinci remains shrouded in mystery, with only a handful of documents and accounts providing insight into his private affairs.

Early Life

Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, in the town of Vinci, in the Republic of Florence, to notary Piero da Vinci and a peasant woman named Caterina. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he spent his first five years in the hamlet of Anchiano with his mother, before moving to live with his father, grandparents, and uncle in the small town of Vinci. His education was basic and included reading, writing, and arithmetic, but he also showed an early talent for art.

Apprenticeship

At the age of 14, Leonardo became an apprentice to the renowned workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. This was a pivotal moment in his life, providing him with an education in a wide range of subjects, from technical skills in drawing and painting to a broader understanding of mechanics and the natural world. It was here that Leonardo's talents began to flourish.

Personal Characteristics

Leonardo was known for his good looks, charm, and social grace. He was a vegetarian for ethical reasons and had a profound love for animals, often purchasing caged birds simply to release them. His notebooks reveal a man of deep curiosity and inventiveness, filled with sketches, diagrams, and observations about the world around him. Despite his genius, Leonardo was plagued by procrastination and left many of his projects unfinished.

Sexuality

The personal life of Leonardo, including his sexuality, has been a subject of speculation. Some scholars suggest that he was homosexual, as evidenced by his relationships with his pupils, such as Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, nicknamed Salai, and Francesco Melzi. However, there is no conclusive evidence, and Leonardo's sexuality remains a topic of debate among historians.

Relationships and Friendships

Leonardo formed several close relationships throughout his life, most notably with his pupils Salai and Melzi. Salai entered Leonardo's household in 1490 and became his companion, pupil, and possibly his lover. Melzi, on the other hand, was described as Leonardo's favorite pupil, joining his household in 1506 and inheriting the artist's papers and notebooks after his death. Leonardo also maintained friendships with other notable figures of the time, including the mathematician Luca Pacioli and the diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli.

Final Years

Leonardo spent his final years in France, at the Château du Clos Lucé, near the king's residence at the royal Château d'Amboise. He was given the title of "Premier Painter and Engineer and Architect to the King" by Francis I, who became a close friend. Leonardo died on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67. His death marked the end of an era in art and science, but the beginning of his legacy as one of the most influential figures in human history.