16 Unknown Facts About Leonardo da Vinci’s Life and Work

Leonardo da Vinci
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Leonardo da Vinci remains one of history’s most celebrated geniuses, known for his unparalleled contributions to art, science, and invention. While his paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are widely recognized, Leonardo’s life and lesser-known works reveal a mind that was constantly exploring and innovating across various fields. He was not only a painter but also an anatomist, engineer, mathematician, and scientist, leaving behind sketches, writings, and inventions that still captivate scholars and enthusiasts. Here, we delve into 16 lesser-known aspects of Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work, uncovering the secrets behind his creativity, personality, and achievements.

1. Leonardo Was Born Out of Wedlock

Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in the small Tuscan town of Vinci, Italy, to Piero da Vinci, a wealthy notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman. Being born out of wedlock affected Leonardo’s early life, as he was not considered a legitimate heir to his father’s wealth or status. However, his father took an interest in him and ensured he received an education, though he was never formally trained in Latin or classical studies, which were crucial for intellectual circles at the time. This background may have influenced Leonardo’s approach to learning, as he remained an independent thinker, pursuing knowledge outside traditional academic routes.

Despite the societal constraints, Leonardo’s unconventional background allowed him more freedom than many of his contemporaries. He wasn’t bound by the expectations that often limited the sons of nobility, allowing him to cultivate his curiosity across various disciplines. His birth circumstances, while initially disadvantageous, arguably contributed to the innovative and multidisciplinary approach that would define his legacy.

2. A Left-Handed Genius

Leonardo was left-handed, a trait that was rare and often discouraged during his time. He used a unique “mirror writing” style, writing from right to left in his notebooks, which could only be read properly when reflected in a mirror. Some scholars believe this style of writing was an intentional code to protect his ideas from being stolen, though others argue it was simply more comfortable for Leonardo, as left-handedness was sometimes viewed with suspicion in the 15th century.

Leonardo’s left-handedness has fascinated historians and scientists, who have linked it to his creative thinking and visual-spatial skills. Modern studies on left-handedness suggest that left-handed individuals may process information differently, which could partly explain Leonardo’s unique perspective. His mirror writing adds to the mystery and allure of his notebooks, which contain an incredible array of drawings, inventions, and scientific theories.

3. Leonardo Was Self-Taught in Many Areas

Leonardo’s education was limited, especially in comparison to other Renaissance thinkers. Although he apprenticed with the renowned artist Andrea del Verrocchio, his knowledge in anatomy, engineering, and natural sciences was largely self-taught. Leonardo was a voracious reader and researcher, often spending hours dissecting human bodies to better understand anatomy or studying the mechanics of water, flight, and other natural phenomena.

His notebooks reveal his dedication to learning, as they are filled with sketches, observations, and hypotheses on topics ranging from the circulation of blood to the construction of bridges. Leonardo’s self-directed approach to education helped him become one of the most versatile minds in history, challenging conventional thinking and discovering connections between disciplines long before interdisciplinary studies became common.

4. An Inventor Without a Finished Invention

Though he is credited with designing many groundbreaking inventions, from flying machines to armored vehicles, Leonardo rarely completed any of these projects. His notebooks are filled with elaborate designs, but he either lacked the materials, resources, or sometimes the focus to bring these inventions to fruition. Many of his ideas, such as the helicopter and parachute, were far ahead of their time, and the technology needed to build them simply didn’t exist during the Renaissance.

Leonardo’s habit of leaving projects unfinished was likely a result of his insatiable curiosity. He was always moving on to the next discovery or idea, and his desire to explore new concepts often outweighed his drive to finalize one project. This trait has led some to view him as more of a visionary than a practical inventor, but his ideas have inspired countless engineers and inventors, some of whom have brought his sketches to life centuries later.

5. Leonardo’s Anatomical Studies Were Revolutionary

Leonardo was fascinated by human anatomy and conducted extensive studies, even dissecting corpses to create detailed drawings of muscles, organs, and skeletal structures. His anatomical drawings were far more advanced than those of his contemporaries, as he accurately illustrated the heart, brain, and muscular system with unprecedented detail. Leonardo’s insights into the human body were groundbreaking, and his research predated many discoveries that would only be confirmed centuries later.

His anatomical studies went beyond observation; he sought to understand the functions and interconnections of the body’s systems. Though his anatomical works were never formally published, his findings influenced future medical research, and his drawings remain among the most accurate and detailed in history. Leonardo’s fascination with anatomy also deepened his understanding of human movement, which would later inform his artwork, contributing to the realism seen in his paintings.

6. The Mona Lisa May Not Be Who We Think

The identity of the Mona Lisa remains one of art history’s greatest mysteries. The most widely accepted theory is that the woman in the painting is Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine merchant. However, scholars have debated other possibilities, including that the painting may be a self-portrait of Leonardo, a composite of several women, or even an idealized figure representing universal beauty.

Leonardo worked on the Mona Lisa for years, carrying it with him on his travels and making subtle adjustments. Some suggest he was more interested in perfecting his portrayal of an enigmatic smile and realistic facial features than in creating a traditional portrait. The subject’s ambiguous identity adds to the painting’s allure, and it has inspired countless theories and interpretations, making it one of the most studied and admired artworks in history.

7. A Master of Optical Illusions

Leonardo was a pioneer in the use of optical illusions and perspective in his artwork, employing techniques like sfumato (blurring lines to create a smoky effect) to give his paintings a lifelike quality. In the Mona Lisa, for example, Leonardo used subtle shading around her mouth to create an ambiguous smile that seems to shift depending on the viewer’s angle and distance. This mastery of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, became a hallmark of Leonardo’s style.

Leonardo’s understanding of optics extended beyond painting, as he was deeply interested in how the eye perceives light, depth, and motion. His explorations into these areas allowed him to create a sense of realism that was unprecedented at the time, giving his paintings a three-dimensional quality that has captivated viewers for centuries.

8. Leonardo’s “Vitruvian Man” Reflects His Quest for Perfection

The Vitruvian Man is one of Leonardo’s most iconic drawings, representing the ideal proportions of the human body as described by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius. This drawing reflects Leonardo’s deep interest in mathematics, proportion, and symmetry, as well as his belief in the interconnectedness of art and science. He meticulously measured body parts to illustrate the concept of “divine proportion,” which he believed mirrored the natural world’s inherent harmony.

Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a testament to his efforts to bridge the gap between scientific study and aesthetic beauty. The drawing is a reminder of the Renaissance ideal of homo universalis, or “universal man,” embodying the belief that human beings could understand and reflect the harmony of the cosmos.

9. A Love for Puzzles and Riddles

Leonardo had a playful side and enjoyed creating puzzles, riddles, and word games for himself and his friends. His notebooks are filled with anagrams, puns, and coded messages that suggest he enjoyed intellectual challenges and had a keen sense of humor. Some art historians believe that Leonardo incorporated hidden messages in his works, although many of these interpretations are speculative.

This fascination with puzzles aligns with Leonardo’s relentless curiosity and his desire to explore the mysteries of the world in unconventional ways. His interest in secret codes and hidden messages has contributed to the aura of mystery that surrounds him, with people still searching for hidden meanings in his work today.

10. A Left-Handed Artist with Exceptional Ambidexterity

Although Leonardo was naturally left-handed, he practiced ambidexterity, teaching himself to use both hands. He often used his left hand for writing and drawing but could switch hands if needed. His ambidexterity allowed him to work on large canvases from different angles and may have contributed to his unique style and technique.

Leonardo’s ambidexterity also likely contributed to his mirror writing, which was comfortable for him but puzzling for others. His ability to switch hands with ease was just another aspect of his exceptional versatility, allowing him to approach his art and studies from multiple perspectives.

11. Leonardo Created Detailed Studies of Water Movement

Leonardo had a fascination with water dynamics and spent considerable time studying the movement of water, waves, and whirlpools. He created intricate drawings of water currents and experimented with ways to channel and control water, designing devices like water wheels and irrigation systems. He believed that understanding water’s movement was key to unlocking the secrets of nature, and he used water as a metaphor for life and energy in his writings.

His observations on water movement were not only scientific but also poetic, as he saw parallels between water’s behavior and the patterns of human emotions and thought. Leonardo’s interest in water is evident in his paintings as well, where he captures the fluidity and natural rhythm of landscapes, making them come to life with a sense of motion.

12. A Military Engineer for Hire

Leonardo worked as a military engineer for various patrons, including Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and Cesare Borgia. During these appointments, he designed weapons, fortifications, and defense systems, including early versions of tanks, machine guns, and even a gigantic crossbow. Though few of his designs were actually built, they showcased his inventive mind and his ability to adapt his skills to practical applications.

Despite his work in military engineering, Leonardo was known for his pacifist beliefs. His involvement in weaponry was likely driven by his need for patronage and his curiosity about mechanical challenges rather than a desire to see his inventions used in warfare.

13. Leonardo’s Notebooks Spanned Thousands of Pages

Leonardo’s notebooks, collectively known as the Codices, are a treasure trove of his ideas, sketches, and thoughts on subjects ranging from anatomy to botany to mechanics. These notebooks, spanning thousands of pages, reveal his insatiable curiosity and his methodical approach to recording observations. Unfortunately, many pages have been lost over the centuries, and only about 7,200 pages are known to exist today.

His notebooks are considered some of the most valuable documents from the Renaissance, providing insight into his thought process and the breadth of his interests. They also highlight his systematic approach to learning, as he meticulously recorded every observation and experiment, leaving behind a detailed record of his intellectual pursuits.

14. Animal Rights Advocate

Leonardo was unusual for his time in that he abhorred animal cruelty and was reportedly a vegetarian for much of his life. He had a deep love for animals, often buying caged birds at markets to set them free. In an era when vegetarianism was virtually unheard of, his compassion for animals set him apart and reflected his belief in respecting all forms of life.

His empathy for animals was likely linked to his broader philosophy about the interconnectedness of life, as seen in his studies of anatomy and nature. Leonardo’s compassion for living creatures adds depth to his character and provides insight into the values that influenced his work and worldview.

15. He Left Many Projects Unfinished

Leonardo had a habit of starting projects with great enthusiasm, only to leave them unfinished. He was notorious for moving on to new ideas before completing previous ones, a trait that frustrated his patrons but allowed him to pursue a wide range of interests. His unfinished works include paintings, inventions, and treatises that he never completed or published.

This trait reflects both his perfectionism and his restless curiosity. Rather than settling on one area, Leonardo constantly sought new challenges, leaving behind a trail of half-finished works that reflect the diversity of his interests. His unfinished projects are often viewed as a testament to his endless curiosity rather than a lack of discipline.

16. Leonardo Spent His Final Years in France

In the final years of his life, Leonardo moved to France at the invitation of King Francis I, who admired his work and offered him a position as “First Painter, Engineer, and Architect of the King.” Leonardo brought some of his most cherished paintings, including the Mona Lisa, and lived in the Château du Clos Lucé near the king’s residence in Amboise. He spent his last years peacefully, engaging in philosophical discussions with the king and continuing his studies, even as his health declined.

Leonardo died in France in 1519, leaving behind a legacy that would influence countless generations. His time in France marked a fitting end to a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, and his work continued to inspire and captivate the world long after his passing.


Leonardo da Vinci’s life was marked by infinite curiosity, groundbreaking discoveries, and unmatched creativity. He defied conventional limits, exploring a multitude of disciplines with an open mind and pioneering spirit. From his anatomical studies and innovative inventions to his mesmerizing paintings and philosophical insights, Leonardo’s contributions spanned fields that continue to shape art and science. These 16 lesser-known facts about Leonardo da Vinci reveal a complex individual whose life was as mysterious and layered as the works he created. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of curiosity, and his insatiable drive to understand the world around him remains an inspiration for generations of thinkers and creators.

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Steven Peck

Working as an editor for the Scientific Origin, Steven is a meticulous professional who strives for excellence and user satisfaction. He is highly passionate about technology, having himself gained a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in Information Technology. He covers a wide range of subjects for our magazine.