Leonardo da Vinci (short animation biography) ( English)

Leonardo da Vinci was a true genius who graced this world with his presence from April 15, 1452 to May 2, 1519. Like Athens in the age of Pericles, Renaissance Italy is a summit in human history. Today, no name better seems to symbolize Renaissance Art than Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo was best known for his painting of The Mona Lisa. The painting s focal point was the Mona Lisa s rather elusive smile, as well as the mysterious quality of the woman as depicted in her eyes and corners of the mouth. There was also quite a shadowy feature in this painting, which was obtained from Leonardo s smoke or sfumato. Just like Isaac Newton on Physics, and Charles Darwin on science of evolution, Leonardo s impact on art is tremendous. Throughout his life, Leonardo da Vinci avoided the intrigues of worldly ambitions and vanity. He was a reserved and withdrawn man, not concerned with glory, and yet absolutely sure of the value of his abilities. Along with Michelangelo, Donatello, Titian, and a