Leonardo da Vinci
Tomorrow is International Lefthanders Day. Because an object from our partnership with the Rijksmuseum is scheduled for tomorrow, we will celebrate lefthanders today with a masterpiece from one of the most famous artists (and left-handed) of all time ... Leonardo da Vinci!
Leonardo da Vinci was an anatomist, architect, botanist, engineer, mathematician, painter, scientist, sculptor, and theoretician. He was also a mancino (which is Italian slang for “lefty”). Because da Vinci was forced to use his right hand through right-handed implements, he learned that having the skill to utilize both hands also meant he more equally developed both sides of his brain.
This sketch shows da Vinci's intense attention to anatomy and chiaroscuro effects. The focus here is put on the left arm, with the hand stretching across the bottom of the drawing, lying calmly on the right hand which is only slighly outlined. An additional hand is sketched above. In two hands, muscles, thumbs, and wrinkles of skin are depicted extremely carefully. It is a great example of Leonardo's perfection.
P.S. Leonardo wasn't the only famous artist who was left-handed. There were many more! Meet them here!