leonardo da vinci
Painter, sculptor, architect and inventor, Leonardo (1452-1519) was the most versatile talent of the Italian Renaissance. His many drawings and manuscripts combine scientific precision of observation with great imaginative power and reflect the vast scope of his interests, which included engineering, biology, physiology, hydraulics and aeronautics. He foresaw the invention of aircraft and submarines, designed bridges and a variety of hydraulic machines for civilian uses and war machines, as well as leaving us such world-famous masterpieces of painting as The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.