Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born April 15, 1452, in what is now present day Italy, and he was a contemporary of Michelangelo. Although he is considered by many to be the greatest painter that ever lived, his talents were many. Besides painting, he also pursued science, math, engineering, inventing, anatomy, sculpting, architecture, botany, music and writing.

But da Vinci's fame comes from painting alone. His "Mona Lisa" and "Last Supper" are the most famous and most reproduced works of all times. He constantly experimented with new colors and techniques, and sometimes the results were disastrous. Consequently, very few original paintings remain, but his drawings, diagrams, and journals have made lasting contributions to the world of art.