Leonardo Da Vinci

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While there, Leonardo often
painted portions of Verrocchio’s paintings for him, such as the
background and the kneeling angel on the left in the Baptism of Christ
(Encarta). Leonardo’s sections of the painting have soft shadings,
with shadows concealing the edges. These areas are distinguished
easily against the sharply defined figures and objects of Verrocchio,
that reflect the style called Early Renaissance. Leonardo’s more
graceful approach marked the beginning of the High Renaissance.
However, this style did not become more popular in Italy for another
25 year (Gilbert 46). Leonardo actually started the popularization of
this style. For this reason Leonardo could be called the “Father of
the High Renaissance.” Leonardo’s leading skills emerged through his
paintings and his techniques. Leonardo’s talents soon drew him away
from the Guild and in 1472 Leonardo finished his first complete
painting, Annunciation. In 1478 Leonardo reached the title of an
Independent Master. His first large painting, The Adoration of the
Magi (begun in 1481), which was left unfinished, was ordered in 1481
for the Monastery of San Donato a Scopeto, Florence. Other works
ascribed to his youth are the Benois Madonna (1478), the portrait
Ginevra de’ Benci (1474), and the unfinished Saint Jerome (1481).
Leonardo expanded his skills to other branches of interest and in 1481
Leonardo wrote an astonishing letter to the Duke of Milan, Ludovico
Sforza. In this letter he stated that he knew how to build portable
bridges; that he knew the techniques of constructing bombardments and
of making cannons; that he could build ships as well as armored
vehicles, catapults, and other war machines; and that he could execute
sculpture in marble, bronze, and clay.
Thus, he entered the service of the Duke in 1482, working on
Ludovico’s castle, organizing festivals, and he became recognized as ...