Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian artist and thinker who lived during the High Renaissance. He is known for his work in painting, drawing, engineering, science, and architecture. His paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are among the most recognized and studied artworks in history. In addition to his art, Leonardo kept detailed notebooks filled with sketches and observations on topics like anatomy, astronomy, and botany. His wide range of interests and careful studies influenced both the arts and sciences in Europe, and his legacy is often compared to that of Michelangelo.