If you condemn painting, which is the only imitator of all visible works of nature, you will certainly despise a subtle invention which brings philos… - Leonardo da Vinci

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Engraved portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, facing left

If you condemn painting, which is the only imitator of all visible works of nature, you will certainly despise a subtle invention which brings philosophy and subtle speculation to the consideration of the nature of all forms — seas and plains, trees, animals, plants and flowers — which are surrounded by shade and light. And this is true knowledge and the legitimate issue of nature; for painting is born of nature — or, to speak more correctly, we will say it is the grandchild of nature; for all visible things are produced by nature, and these her children have given birth to painting. Hence we may justly call it the grandchild of nature and related to God.

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About Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) was an Italian Renaissance painter, architect, inventor, engineer, sculptor, and musician. His best known painting is the Mona Lisa.

Biography information from Wikiquote · Portrait adapted from Wikimedia Commons, Attributed to Francesco Melzi (Public domain / CC0)

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci Leonard Léonard Leonardo Da Vinci

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Additional quotes by Leonardo da Vinci

Whatever — the soup is getting cold.

[Last sentence of a mathematical theorem in Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook, 1518]

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In Michelangelo was realized the grandeur of Italy struggling vainly against crushing oppression. He expressed that which was highest in it, reflecting the loftiest side of its idealism mingled with deep pessimism in his survey over life; for, wrapped in austerity, he saw mankind in heroic terms of sadness.

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