Blog

During this period of coronavirus “social distancing” I’m reading a book on Leonardo da Vinci’s life, written in 1938 by Antonina Vallentin.  I found this book a few years ago in a second hand bookshop, looked at the drawings and images of da Vinci’s work throughout, then shelved it thinking I would get to reading it later.  I am delighted to finally begin this remarkable, and very personable book.  The author writes with sensitivity, honesty, and humor as though she had been there, in the 15th Century!  So much about his life and times resonates with what many experience now.

Leonardo did have innate gifts of mind and ability, which aided the emergence of his genius, but he faced challenges in his life that parallel those confronted by people in our society now.  He grew up in a blended household, with his father, stepmother, and step siblings.  Though his needs were met in childhood, he was bereft of the normal affection he may have received had he been raised by his own mother.  His curiosity about the natural world drew him out and sharpened his observation skills, sketching all aspects of the world around him.  His father, a prominent attorney, apprenticed him to Verrochio, a master artisan of Florence. He learned rapidly at the guild, and his talents and brilliance made him what today we would call an “influencer” among his peers.  Soon, certain envious individuals  brought slanderous accusations, dashing his innocent, trusting nature. 

As a result, his fascination with all elements of the natural world increased and he spent much time alone studying, drawing, dissecting, and imagining the possibilities of things.  Thus, his genius evolved and he created many firsts, designs for airplanes, clocks, medicinal remedies and answers about the human body’s functions, to name only a few.  In his lifetime he faced the plague in Florence and Milan, and devised city plans to help remedy the rapid spread of this disease.  His pursuit of mechanical solutions to life’s problems was constant.  

And his art was and is breathtakingly beautiful...the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and the Virgin with Saint Anne.  Oil paints were just being developed in Italy and his guild employed tempera paints.  He was the first to use oil paints in a fresco scene in Florence, combining it next to tempera paint.  

Though trained by some of Italy’s finest artists, his brilliance grew because of his own hard work, his dedication to repetitive practice, and his tremendous curiosity.  I like this about him, as it is a roadmap for anyone with a desire to excel in art, science, or any pursuit.  

Like Leonardo’s time, our world too is full of great needs for practical solutions.  May we all make our lives a bit more dedicated, curious, and grateful for the knowledge we have at our fingertips via the worldwide web.  Whatever it may be, keep up your daily practice, have hope, and believe in the possibilities all around. Stay curious!