Leonardo Da Vinci is perhaps recognized more for his picture of  “Vitruvian Man” than he is for almost any of his other images. The Mona Lisa is more famous, but naming a third work by this genius of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the Renaissance, causes at least a little pause. The mathematical precision of Vitruvian Man makes it stand out from the painting of Mona Lisa. I need to pull the Da Vinci book off the shelf and spend some time with his works! Of course, The Last Supper engenders a bit of fame and recognition <smile>.

The name of this [WARNING: over-used word follows!] iconic image comes from the name Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer who lived during the 1st century BCE. Vitruvius is famous for his treatise “De Architectura” (On Architecture), in which he discussed the proportions of the human body and how these proportions should guide the design of buildings. Even Wikipedia uses the word iconic in describing this most famous image. It was described by the art historian, Carmen C. Bambach, as “justly ranked among the all-time iconic images of Western civilization”. Normally I rebel against superlatives piled upon superlatives. I grimace at “singularly unique.” I cringe at “very unique.” Even Wikipedia uses “all-time iconic” in describing this image from 1495. The drawing is over 500 years old and still fascinates the eye and the mind. It truly does define the word “iconic.”

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man was inspired by Vitruvius’ ideas about human proportions being a model of harmony and balance. The drawing visually represents the idea that the human body can fit perfectly into both a circle (symbolizing the divine) and a square (symbolizing the earthly). Da Vinci was fascinated by Vitruvius’ work and used it as a foundation to explore the connection between art, mathematics, and nature.

Leonardo Da Vinci is also famous for painting the Mona Lisa, one of the most renowned and iconic artworks in history. That’s iconic used properly as applied to TWO of the works of one person. It was created between 1503 and 1506, although Leonardo continued to work on it for several years after. The painting is celebrated for its exquisite detail, the mysterious expression of the subject, and Leonardo’s mastery of techniques like sfumato, which creates the soft blending of colors and shadows.

The Mona Lisa is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris where it continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Vitruvian Man is part of the collection at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, Italy. However, it is rarely displayed to the public due to its delicate condition and the need to preserve the drawing. The Vitruvian Man is kept in a controlled environment to protect it from light and environmental damage, and it is occasionally brought out for special exhibitions.

Da Vinci’s Aerial Screw Is Considered To Be The Invention Of The Helicopter!

His other inventions include the ornithopter (flying machine) and the armored tank. Also an architect, Leonardo Da Vinci, my personal idol, defines the term Renaissance Man. He was historically a Renaissance Man, and he gives life to the expression. He defines the historical Renaissance at its best!

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com