The Renaissance through the eyes and works of Leonardo da Vinci

The Renaissance through the eyes and works of Leonardo da Vinci

Why is Leonardo so often seen as a symbol of the Renaissance?

The Renaissance was a fantastic period of history that was filled with an explosion of wealth, amazing creative and enlightened thinking, and significant shifts in both political thought and power. Leonardo Da Vinci (1452–1519), a man of the Renaissance, was famously known for his remarkable ability to express the wondrous era through his creations, including artwork, inventions, diagrams, and scientific studies. 

For this assessment, you will take one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s creations that you think best illustrates the Renaissance. While one creation cannot illustrate all things, you can do a deep dive into one or more things to come out of that period of time and show how that work is emblematic of the Renaissance.

What you will need:

• An illustration or picture of Da Vinci’s works

• A short 350-500 word essay that answers the question: Why is Leonardo so often seen as a symbol of the Renaissance?

• The essay must include:

  • Detailed description of that work

  • Any background on what Da Vinci was thinking about or trying to do when making the work

  • A detailed connection between that work and some facet of the Renaissance that shows that you have a deep and complex understanding of that facet. 

• Note: you will need a thesis statement in the essay that relies on the question: 

While you will not be assessed on “presentation” you must be prepared to share your work with the rest of the class. 

Assessment strands: 

Thesis, Evidence, Analysis, Sourcing/Documentation, and Writing.