Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo

Leonardo da Vinci was a very famous artist and he is still greatly remembered to this day. He was born in Florence, Italy in 1452. He was not just interested in art but also in mathematics, science, and even mechanics.

When Leonardo was 20 he was a master in the Guild of St. Luke which was dedicated to doctors and artists. Leonardo was known for many of his paintings but the first creation that he was known for was his pen and ink drawing of the Arno Valley. This drawing was very detailed and beautiful. But, his most known painting is the Mona Lisa. He worked on this painting for such a long time. He did so well on it that it looks like an old photograph instead of a painting. Unfortunately, no one knows exactly who the woman was that he painted. He worked many, many years to make this painting perfect.

He was a genius in many other ways besides his paintings. Leonardo also worked on mathematic and scientific projects. He later died in 1519. He is still remembered as an amazing man of the Renaissance period.

Another great man was Michelangelo. He was an artist as well as a sculptor. He was born in 1475 in Caprice, Italy. He did have a chance to learn all about grammar when he was sent to Florence but found no interest in that subject. Michelangelo had more interest in drawing.

His most famous creations were his statue of David and his painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. At first the statue of David was an unfinished project. But, Michelangelo was the one who got to finish it. The statue represents Florence freedom. In the middle of the painting on the Sistine Chapel represented nine scenes from the book of Genesis. But, the whole painting took him about four years to fully complete.

Michelangelo also became an architect. Just before he passed he designed St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Unfortunately he died before he could see the whole thing completed but it did influence many other buildings that were made.

Both of these artists were unique in their own way and were very successful. No other person in that time created just as great paintings as these two artists did during the Renaissance period. They are greatly remembered.