This children’s article, Who was Leonardo da Vinci? The story of a Renaissance genius, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, build vocabulary, and discover the life of one of history’s most talented people. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Early life in Italy
Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in a small town called Vinci, near Florence in Italy. His father was a notary (a kind of lawyer), and his mother was an orphan who grew up in a local farmhouse.
As a boy, Leonardo did not go to a fancy school, but he was curious about everything. He loved drawing, observing nature, and tinkering with ideas. His sharp eyes and quick hands soon showed that he had a special talent.
A true Renaissance man
As Leonardo grew up, he became an apprentice to an artist in Florence, learning painting, sculpting, and design. This was during the Renaissance, a period in Europe when art, science, and learning blossomed.
The term “Renaissance man” describes someone skilled in many areas. Leonardo was the perfect example: he was not only a painter but also an inventor, scientist, engineer, and even a musician.
The mystery of the Mona Lisa
Leonardo’s most famous work is the Mona Lisa, painted in the early 1500s. The portrait shows a woman with a mysterious smile that has puzzled people for centuries. Some say she looks happy, others think she looks sad, and no one is quite sure.
Today, the painting is displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris and is one of the most visited artworks in the world. Millions of tourists travel to see her small but unforgettable smile every year.
Ideas far ahead of his time
Leonardo kept notebooks filled with sketches of machines, inventions, and ideas. He designed bridges, armoured vehicles, and even a flying machine similar to a helicopter.
Although many of his inventions were never made in his lifetime, his creativity showed the power of imagination. Leonardo da Vinci is remembered not only for his paintings but also for his vision of what humans might achieve.
Article vocabulary list
- Renaissance – a period in Europe (14th–17th century) when art, science, and learning grew rapidly
- Apprentice – someone who learns a job or skill by working with an expert
- Notary – a type of lawyer who writes and checks official documents
- Talent – a natural skill or ability
- Portrait – a painting or picture of a person
- Mysterious – something strange or difficult to explain
- Invention – something new that someone designs or creates
- Imagination – the ability to form new ideas or pictures in your mind
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where was Leonardo da Vinci born?
a) Rome
b) Vinci
c) Paris
Answer: b) Vinci
2. What does the term “Renaissance man” mean?
a) Someone who likes to eat pizza in Italy
b) Someone who paints only portraits
c) Someone skilled in many different areas
Answer: c) Someone skilled in many different areas
3. Where can you see the Mona Lisa today?
a) The Louvre Museum in Paris
b) The British Museum in London
c) The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Answer: a) The Louvre Museum in Paris
4. What is unusual about the Mona Lisa?
a) She has no eyebrows
b) Her smile is mysterious and hard to understand
c) She is painted in black and white
Answer: b) Her smile is mysterious and hard to understand
5. What invention did Leonardo imagine that later became real?
a) The telephone
b) The helicopter
c) The television
Answer: b) The helicopter
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
