The Wikipedia entry for Leonardo da Vinci begins, “Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519) was an Italian polymath: painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer.” All I can say is WOW!
Imagine being known 500 years after your death as the creator of, arguably, two of the most famous paintings in the world (the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper), one of the most famous drawings of all time (Vitruvian Man), and also revered as a scientist and inventor. Leonardo da Vinci had an unquenchable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Being interested in art and science myself, it is no wonder that I find him to be endlessly fascinating.
Ulla Hennig (ulla_hennig) is a writer from Berlin who is an expert on the Italian Renaissance and classical music. Her interests also include photography, painting, and drawing, so it is no stretch that she was drawn to write about Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man. While there are several lenses on Leonardo da Vinci, Ulla writes about him from the perspective of the Renaissance, noting that he was one of three famous artists from this era, the other two being Michelangelo and Raphael.
I found it interesting that Ulla used this quote by da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” because her page is also simple and sophisticated. She uses words sparingly but gets across the basics about Leonardo da Vinci, including his early influences and what he was known for in each of his interest areas. She leaves us with a basic understanding of da Vinci, yet wanting to know more, not only about him, but the Italian Renaissance as well. My only suggestion to Ulla would be to point to other resources, including some of her own lenses on the Renaissance.
What do you know or admire about Leonardo da Vinci?
Visit: Leonardo Da Vinci
I am honored to be writing Squidoo Lens Reviews on Fridays, focusing on lenses that are beautifully designed as well as informative. My passions revolve around photography and the environment, books and wine, and numerous other things.
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What a lovely review, Kim! da Vinci was incredible and so is Ulla's lens.
I think I don't know enough about daVinci so thanks for such an irresistible invitation!
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Kim, just want to echo your Wow! here for Leonardo da Vinci, and for Ulla. Superb work. …Squidooers make history come alive!
Da Vinci was a man born several centuries ahead of his time — imagine what great gifts he would have brought to the world today with theories and designs that were just too soon for the Renaissance world. And yet what gifts he shared then have lived on. Ulla wrote a lovely tribute to this magnificent man. I know she loves the Renaissance and culture more generally, and it's wonderful to see one of her topics featured here on Squidoo Lens Reviews.