Where and when was Leonardo da Vinci born? Were there any people or events during his youth that you believe helped shape this individual's legacy? Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452 in Vinci, near Florence, Italy. His father, Piero Da Vinci, was a notary and his mother Caterina was a peasant. Shortly after his birth, Piero Da Vinci took custody of Leonardo because his mother left and married another man in a nearby town. At the age of 15, his father made him apprentice with the famous artist Andrea Del Verrochio in Florence, who notably painted “The Virgin and Child” and “Saint Monica”; however, it was most famous for its bronze status of the time. Leonardo quickly discovered his talent and showed it from a young age. His first real painting was the kneeling angel in the “Baptism of Christ.” The main parts of the work were carried out by his mentor Verrocchio and other students. After Verrocchio saw the painting that Leonardo had created, it is said that he never wanted to lift the paintbrush again, humiliated by how much better an apprentice could do than his master. Da Vinci quickly took to painting and took the advice his mentor taught him and quickly adapted it to his own. Leonardo da Vinci never relied on anyone in his life to help shape his legacy. He asked Verrocchio, an experienced and talented painter, to teach him basic painting skills, but within a few years he surpassed his skills. Describe their education, knowledge, and religious/political affiliations. Has this belief system evolved or changed over the course of his life? If yes, how and why? From a young age, he was self-taught. He read books that his father, family and friends owned, teaching himself and teaching himself how...... middle of paper ...... Katsamakas, E.."A review of Leonardo's science: In the spirit of the great genius of the Renaissance." Review of. Emergence: Complexity and Organization 11, no. 4 (October 1, 2009): 104-105. http://www.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/ (accessed May 18, 2010). “Leonardo the Man His Machines.” Loadstar's lair. https://www.lairweb.org.nz/Leonardo/ (accessed May 12, 2010). Matthew Kennard. “Leonardo da Vinci: a brief history.” New Statesman, September 18, 2006, 42. http://www.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/ (accessed May 16, 2010). McKay John P. et al., Leonardo Da Vinci: 8th ed. Boston, NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2009. (accessed May 11, 2010). “Renaissance Man.” Science Museum. Science Museum. http://www.mos.org/leonardo/bio.html (accessed May 11, 2010).