AP European History: Outline for da Vinci

My question would be: If Leonardo da Vinci was seen as handsome, athletic, talented, brilliant, and impossible to dislike, then why were there so many conspiracies and mysteries surrounding him?

Thesis:

Despite being thought of as a near perfect person because he was "a beauty of body," "a great genius," and had "great bodily strength," Leonardo da Vinci had many conspiracies and mysteries surrounding him because he was the most brilliant mind of the Renaissance and people, even up to today, try to pick apart all his work and search for hidden messages and meanings that they believe must be there because he had such a brilliant mind.

Words to be defined thus far:

Polymath
Notary:

Cryptology

Mancino

Primary Sources:

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vasari1.html- Medieval Sourcebook: Giorgio Vasari: Life of Leonardo da Vinci 1550

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/vasari/vasari14.htm - Lionardo da Vinci- Giorgio Vasari's Lives of the Artists

Da Vinci's notebooks- http://www.asksam.com/ebooks/releases.asp?file=Davinci.ask

Body:

Introduction-

Thesis:

Despite being thought of as a near perfect person because he was handsome, friendly, brilliant, and talented in almost everything, Leonardo da Vinci had many conspiracies and mysteries surrounding him because he was the most brilliant mind of the Renaissance and people, even up to today, try to pick apart all his work and search for hidden messages and meanings that they believe must be there because he had such a brilliant mind.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vasari1.html

Mona Lisa

She seems to be looking at you no matter where you are in the room.

"many historians believe the painting is a portrait of Madam Lisa Giocondo, wife of a wealthy Florentine"

http://www.hepguru.com/monalisa/mystery.htm

Most paintings of Leonardo's times were just commissioned, but Leonardo kept the Mona Lisa with him until death. If it was commissioned, why would he not give it to the patron?

It is possibly a self portrait of him in female form.

Although the sitter has traditionally been identified as Lisa del Giocondo, a lack of definitive evidence has long fueled alternative theories, including Leonardo's mother Caterina in a distant memory and the possibility that Leonardo used his own likeness. Other aspects of the painting that have been subject to speculation are the original size of the painting, whether it is the original, why it was painted, and various explanations for how the effect of an enigmatic smile was achieved

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa#Speculation_about_the_painting

There have been many theories written about Leonardo da Vinci and of his intentions painting the Mona Lisa. Some gleaning facts from his biography and work as it applied to the painting. Others about Mona Lisa as mysterious seductress or femme fatale.

http://www.monalisamania.com/theoriesmain.htm

Vasari says that Mona Lisa was da Vinci's wife, and that the painting remained unfinished.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vasari1.html

Homosexuality

Vasari writes about two beautiful men being Leonardo's lovers at points in his life

"Renaissance Florentines didn't make the distinctions we make about sexuality today and apparently it was common for young men to get into sexual relationships; in fact, the word "Florenzer" was German slang for "homosexual". Leonardo had no relationships with women, never married, had no children, and raised many young protégés, including one nicknamed "Salai" which means "offspring of Satan", a sketch of whom is shown below."

http://www.bnl.gov/bera/activities/globe/leonardo_da_vinci.htm

The Last Supper

"The Last Supper -- relentlessly studied, scrutinized, satirized and one the world's most famous paintings -- is still revealing secrets."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100331091143.htm

"We asked ourselves why Da Vinci chose those particular foods, because they don't correspond to what the Evangelists described," says Bauer. "Why bread, fish, salt, citrus and wine? Why is the saltshaker tipped over in front of Judas? Why is the bread leavened?"

"For instance, a fallen saltshaker is traditionally a sign of bad luck. The researchers question if instead of indicating the mischief of Judas, the fallen saltshaker could suggest his rehabilitation. He could have been chosen to play the role of the traitor. And why is he the only one with an empty plate? It could mean he is full and mischievous or that he is the only one who isn't fooled?"

"The fish has also been the topic of several studies. It is clearly a reminder that Jesus spent most of his life around Lake Tiberias and that he selected his Apostles among local fishermen. Yet it isn't clear whether the fish is herring or eel. Some argue Da Vinci was deliberately ambiguous about the species of fish. Eel in Italian is aringa, although when it is spelled arringa it means indoctrination. And herring in northern Italy is renga, meaning he who denies religion"

Vasari even theorized about it- he says that he did not finish the head of Christ because Leonardo thought that he was not able to capture the divinity of him.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vasari1.html

Writing in code/left-handedness

Many people have theorized that da Vinci wrote his notes backwards and upside down so that they could only be read in a mirror, but it was simply because he was left handed and it was much easier for him.