Leonardo Da Vinci Influence On Renaissance

Florence is home to some of the greatest artistic minds that the world has ever seen. And even if artists were not native Florentines, more often than not they came to this great city to study at some point in their lives. One of the greats of the Renaissance was Leonardo da Vinci and even now, over 500 years later, his works of art are still relevant. Born in the small Tuscan town of Vinci in the year 1452, da Vinci began studying art at a very young age (Jastifer 281). Da Vinci’s father Piero recognized his talents as a child and in the 1460s Piero brought his son into Florence to study art and join the schooling of Andrea Verrocchio. From there da Vinci’s skills in art, science, sculpture and architecture just grew and grew into the masterpieces that are known all over the world today. Leonardo da Vinci’s studies of art and anatomy pioneered the way for future artists and had a very strong influence on the art of Florence.

When da Vinci first arrived in Florence in the 1460s he began his studies with Andrea Verrocchio where he worked with several different mediums such as bronze, marble, terracotta, painting, and even some engineering projects (Kemp). Having the chance to work with all styles

Not only that, but it is very clear as to where the source of light is coming from and it appears as if the woman is turning to face someone or something that has caught her attention across the room. It is not only the effect of the light that is captivating, but there are hints of da Vinci’s interest in anatomy beginning to take form in his art. If you look closely at the hand that is touching the ermine, the definition of the fingernails, knuckles and the shapes they create are incredibly realistic. It looks as though it is really a snapshot of a moment in time when the woman is stroking her