Leonardo da Vinci's vision was characterised by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless quest for knowledge that transcended traditional boundaries. He envisioned a world where art, science, and engineering seamlessly intertwined, each discipline informing and enhancing the others. This holistic approach led him to explore a vast array of subjects, from anatomy and mechanics to optics and hydraulics. 

His sketches and notes reveal a mind that sought to understand the fundamental principles of nature, believing that through this understanding, one could unlock the secrets of the universe. Leonardo's vision was not confined to the theoretical; he aimed to apply his knowledge practically, devising innovative machines and concepts that were centuries ahead of their time. His ability to foresee future technologies, such as flying machines and armoured vehicles, showcased his forward-thinking perspective and his belief in the boundless potential of human ingenuity.

Leonardo da Vinci, born on 15 April 1452 in the Tuscan town of Vinci, Italy, was an illegitimate child of Ser Piero da Vinci, a Florentine legal notary, and Caterina di Meo Lippi, a peasant woman. He spent his early childhood living with his mother and later in the household of his paternal grandfather. Despite receiving only basic education in reading, writing, and arithmetic, Leonardo displayed exceptional artistic talent early on, which led his family to focus on nurturing these skills. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship with the renowned artist Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence, where he gained comprehensive training in various artistic and technical disciplines.

In 1472, Leonardo qualified as a master in the Guild of Saint Luke and established his own workshop, although he continued to collaborate with Verrocchio. His early works, such as the "Adoration of the Magi" and "Saint Jerome in the Wilderness," displayed his innovative approach to composition and technique, although many of these projects remained unfinished. In 1482, Leonardo moved to Milan to work for Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. During this period, he created some of his most famous works, including "The Last Supper" and the "Virgin of the Rocks." Leonardo's interests extended beyond painting to include anatomy, engineering, and science, leading to numerous sketches and designs for inventions that were far ahead of their time.

Following the fall of Ludovico Sforza in 1499, Leonardo returned to Florence, where he painted the renowned portrait of "Mona Lisa" and worked on various engineering projects. He later entered the service of Cesare Borgia as a military architect and engineer. By 1506, Leonardo was back in Milan, where he continued his artistic and scientific pursuits, and in 1513, he moved to Rome under the patronage of Giuliano de' Medici. His final years were spent in France at the court of King Francis I, where he was given the manor house of Clos Lucé. Leonardo da Vinci passed away on 2 May 1519, leaving behind a legacy that encompasses masterpieces of art, groundbreaking scientific studies, and visionary inventions.

Although Leonardo da Vinci had no formal academic training, many historians and scholars regard him as the prime exemplar of the "Universal Genius" or "Renaissance Man." His unquenchable curiosity and feverishly inventive imagination set him apart as one of the most diversely talented individuals ever to have lived. According to art historian Helen Gardner, the scope and depth of his interests were without precedent in recorded history, making his mind and personality seem superhuman, while the man himself remains mysterious and remote. Scholars interpret his view of the world as being based in logic, although the empirical methods he used were unorthodox for his time.

Leonardo's fame within his lifetime was immense, with the King of France treating him like a prized possession, reportedly supporting him in his old age and even holding him as he died. Interest in Leonardo and his work has never diminished; crowds still queue to see his best-known artworks, and his famous drawings continue to inspire. Writers have hailed him as a genius while speculating about his private life and beliefs. Renaissance figures such as Baldassare Castiglione and biographer "Anonimo Gaddiano" recognised his unparalleled talent, and Vasari, in his "Lives of the Artists," described Leonardo as marvellously endowed by Heaven with beauty, grace, and talent, leaving other men far behind.

In the 19th century, Leonardo's genius was particularly admired, with Henry Fuseli and A. E. Rio acknowledging his extraordinary talents. The scope of Leonardo's notebooks and paintings became widely known, leading Hippolyte Taine to proclaim him as a genius so universal and refined that he was far ahead of his time. Art historian Bernard Berenson later echoed this sentiment, asserting that everything Leonardo touched turned into eternal beauty. The continuous interest in Leonardo's genius has led experts to study and translate his writings, analyse his paintings using scientific techniques, and search for his lost works.

In the 21st century, the fascination with Leonardo da Vinci remains strong. Walter Isaacson's biography, based on thousands of notebook entries, highlights both Leonardo's limitless curiosity and a "fun, joyous" side to his personality. The 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death saw the Louvre in Paris arrange the largest ever single exhibit of his work, showcasing over 100 paintings, drawings, and notebooks. Iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and the Vitruvian Man continue to be regarded as cultural treasures, underscoring Leonardo's enduring legacy. Recent genealogical research has even identified 14 living male relatives of the artist, furthering the connection to his remarkable heritage.