Throughout history there have been many people who have affected the way we live today. Some of these people have devised laws, created machines, or sculpted artwork. Leonardo DaVinci is one of these people. He was a painter, sculptor, inventor, musician, architect, scientist, and military engineer.

Leonardo DaVinci was born on April 15, 1452 in the town of Vinci. At the age of nineteen he traveled to Florence to be an apprentice in the studio of Verrocchio. While he was there he began his painting career. His most famous pieces of works are “The Last Supper,” “Madonna and Child with St. Anne,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Self-Portrait.” DaVinci also painted the “Battle of Anghiari,” the “Leda.” These two pieces of work are not very famous, but they are most important.

Sculpting was a pastime that DaVinci cherished. His two great sculptures are the giant equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza and the monument for Marshal Trivulzio. Both of these sculptors were not finished.

Throughout his life he invented many objects. DaVinci did not build many of the things he drew. He compiled all of his drawings in the “Codex Madrid.” Many people discovered his drawings and created replicas of his works.

Leonardo taught and created music. He studied the works of the drum. He was very interested in improving the rhythm of drums. He invented the “viola organista” which was a piano that had a belt of moving hair that went across the strings. This was the most complicated instrument he created.

Leonardo is a contributor to the works of architecture. He devised the arch and how the different parts of the arch could handle different amounts of weight. He also researched how a bar or spring acted when they were under stress.

Leonardo’s favorite topic to study was anatomy. He was most curious in the movement of creatures. He studied the flight of birds and blood flow. He was very interested in human muscle movement. His drawing of the Vitruvian Man showed his interest in anatomy.

DaVinci contributed to military engineering by drawing weapons. He drew fortresses that had adequate means of defense against cannon fire. He created machined that launched cannons. He also was the first person to draw a crossbow.

Leonardo’s live consisted of studying objects not knowing what they could possibly do. His drawings meant nothing to the people of his time. Many people did not understand his works. He changes the way we live today from his paintings to the musical instruments he created. Many of the things he invented we take for granted today. That is why I believe Leonardo DaVinci is a true Renaissance man.

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