Leonardo tested artistic traditions and techniques throughout his career. He created innovative compositions and investigated human anatomy. His experiments influenced subsequent centuries' art. He left many notebooks but few finished works at his death
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci features sfumato technique and serene expression. Salvator Mundi shows Christ as "Savior of the World" with crystal orb. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo depicts divine connection to humanity. The School of Athens by Raphael celebrates classical philosophers in Vatican
Titian defined 16th century Venetian art with brushwork techniques. Michelangelo created influential frescoes in Sistine Chapel. Caravaggio pioneered Baroque painting with dramatic lighting. Velazquez created complex 'royal paintings' like Las Meninas
Drawing created by Leonardo da Vinci around 1490. Depicts nude man in two positions with arms and legs apart. Created using pen, light-brown ink, and traces of brown wash. Measures 34.4 cm × 25.5 cm, larger than most Leonardo folio sheets
Born in 1452 to notary Ser Piero and lower-class Caterina in Vinci. Trained in Verrocchio's workshop from age 14, becoming apprentice at 17. Received basic education in writing, reading, and mathematics