The painting commonly known as Lady with an Ermine is one of the most celebrated portraits by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci. Created around 1489–1490, this artwork captures Cecilia Gallerani, a remarkable young woman from the Milanese court, holding a white ermine. The portrait is not only a masterpiece of Renaissance art but also a wi

Leonardo also worked for a variety of other patrons over his career, including: Cesare Borgia: Leonardo briefly served as a military engineer and architect for the powerful Italian nobleman and condottiero Cesare Borgia. Various church commissions: Leonardo created religious works and designs for churches, although many projects remained

The Medici family, the powerful banking dynasty that ruled Florence, were essential patrons not only to Leonardo but also to many other Renaissance artists. Leonardo initially trained in Florence under Andrea del Verrocchio and was influenced by the Medici’s patronage environment. Lorenzo de’ Medici (“Lorenzo the Magnificent”): Lorenzo

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is renowned as one of the greatest geniuses in art, science, and engineering. His works—such as the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man—have become iconic symbols of Renaissance creativity and human potential. But behind these masterpieces were not just the talent and vision of Leonardo himself; there w