Renaissance
During the Renaissance there was a quest for l’uomo universal. Michelangelo and/ or
Leonardo da Vinci, (it has been argued) got as near to that goal as anyone. Discuss the meaning of this statement and using specific examples from one of these artists (not both) highlight what is meant by this. The context of where and when he was working is important, as are his peers.
L’uomo Universal, italian for Universal man, better known as a Polymath, is someone who is a Master of a significant span of skills. The term Universal man comes from the idea that man is the center of the universe and stems from the belief that man is able to achieve and be the master of all areas of discipline. The l’uomo universal developed in Renaissance Italy from the notion by Leon Battista Alberti (1404–72), that “a man can do all things if he will.” 1. Leonardo da Vinci, it has been argued, came as close to anyone in this quest in learning the knowledge of all things.
Even at a young age, Leonardo was clearly extraordinary. He was not only skilled in art but also had noticeable interpersonal social skills and was musically talented. He apprenticed at age of 12 to Andrea del Verrocchio. He completed his apprenticeship in half the time recommended by “ The Craftsman’s handbook”, registering it officially in summer of 1472 in Compagnia di San
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He illustrated the De Divina proportione, a book which was written by Luca Paicioli in 1497 which consisted of three parts, of which talks about two of the more commonly known mathematical concepts. The Compendio Divina Proportione which talks about Golden ratio as well as a study of perspectives used by other painters and the ideas of Vitruvius, which he illustrated in the now famous drawing known as the Vitruvian man. Leonardo not only help to draw but also learned mathematics from Paicioli, bringing Leonardo closer to the quest of being a Renaissance