Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous geniuses in the history of humanity. This man masters all kinds of knowledge: painting, architecture, music, geology, philosophy, biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc. Probably his most famous painting, Mona Lisa, has fascinated millions of people around the world and its stunning and mysterious details. The painting has inspired a number of scientists and scholars to devote their entire careers to its study. Born and lived during the Italian Renaissance, a time when the arts flourished and knowledge was valued, Leonardo was surrounded by many great contemporary artists and a perfect creative environment. These favorable factors helped him to fully exercise his talents. As a writer, Leonardo often recorded his thoughts on various subjects. And it is through some of his words that have survived to this day that we gain insight into the workings of his great mind. Leonardo was born in a small town in Tuscany, Italy called Vinci on April 15, 1452. At the time, not everyone had last names; only those who were rich and powerful deserved one. Therefore, when people today call him "Leonardo da Vinci", "da Vinci" actually means "da Vinci" in Italian. His talent for painting was recognized by his family and neighbors while he was still a boy, and he began his painting career at a very young age. At 14, his father sent him to Florence to learn from Verrocchio, who then owned a large workshop. It is said that when he cooperated with Verrocchio on the Baptism of Christ, his talent was so much better than his master's that Verrocchio gave up in the middle and never painted again in his life. 1Leonardo’s talent as a painter is undeniable. He was very obsessed with beauty...... middle of paper...... The Renaissance age in Italy has cultivated many of the most accomplished artists to this day. It is a time when talented people have the opportunity to fully practice their skills and learn while competing with their peers. It was also a time when artists began to be treated as unique individuals, with their own artistic style and characteristics. As Leonardo wrote in his notes: "The painter will produce paintings of little value if he takes the paintings of others as his standard... Giotto the Florentine, who was not content to imitate the works of Cimabue, his master... he excelled not only all the masters of his time but all those of several centuries past…” 3People must be recognized and respected for their skills; this way, they are encouraged to produce better works in return. Leonardo and the Renaissance in which he lived are solid proof of this.