Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born in Anchiano, near Vinci, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman. His early life was spent in his father's household.

Leonardo is formally brought into his father's household. While illegitimate, he was accepted and received some level of education and familial care, a common practice in Florence at the time.

Leonardo begins his apprenticeship with Andrea del Verrocchio, a leading Florentine artist. He learns painting, sculpture, and various technical skills. This was a crucial period in the formation of his artistic abilities.

Leonardo is accepted into the Guild of Saint Luke, the painters' guild, signifying his formal recognition as an artist. However, he remained in Verrocchio's workshop for several more years.

Leonardo begins receiving independent commissions, including the "Annunciation" (c. 1472-1475) and his contribution to Verrocchio's "Baptism of Christ" (c. 1472-1475), where he is believed to have painted one of the angels.

Leonardo moves to Milan to work for Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. He serves as a military engineer, architect, artist, and court entertainer. He undertakes projects such as the "Virgin of the Rocks" (c. 1483-1486) and designs for a colossal equestrian statue of Sforza's father, which was never completed.

Leonardo paints "The Last Supper" on a wall in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan. The experimental fresco technique he used proved unstable, leading to its deterioration over time.

Following the French invasion and the fall of Ludovico Sforza, Leonardo travels to Mantua and Venice. He offers his services as a military engineer to Venice, devising plans for defense against naval attacks.

Leonardo returns to Florence and resumes his artistic activities. He begins work on "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" (c. 1503-1519) and the "Mona Lisa" (c. 1503-1517).

Commissioned to paint a battle scene in the Palazzo Vecchio, Leonardo begins "The Battle of Anghiari". Like "The Last Supper", the painting was never finished and deteriorated quickly.

Leonardo returns to Milan at the invitation of Charles d'Amboise, the French governor. He continues his scientific studies and artistic pursuits, advising on architectural and engineering projects.

Leonardo moves to Rome, where he works for Pope Leo X, although his projects there are not well documented. He spends time studying anatomy and pursuing scientific investigations.

Leonardo accepts an invitation from King Francis I of France to live and work at the Château du Clos Lucé, near Amboise. He spends his final years continuing his studies, making drawings, and advising the king. He dies on May 2, 1519, and is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château d'Amboise.