This piece, entitled "Il Condottiero" was drawn by the great Leonardo da Vinci in 1480. I love this piece so very much because of the detail and expression. Look at the expression in the mercenary's face. The wrinkles in his chin. The extreme detail in his decorative armor. Da Vinci impresses me so much because of his versitile ability to work in nearly any media and still achieve a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452, illigitamate son of notary Ser Piero and a peasant girl. His parents continued to have children, though not with each other, until he had 17 half brothers and sisters. Leonardo became interested in art early and worked in and around art all his life. He died on May 2, 1519 in Cloux, France. Legend has it that King Francis was at his side when he died, cradling Leonardo's head in his arms.
I think i am one of few who truly understand how relevant a piece like this actually is... these are the type of things we use to spend HOURS and HOURS drawing at Sue Tripp's together using those crappy markers and pencils if we could one. we drew with the intent of detail and decoration as well as that coming during our Mageknights era (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mage_Knight) and the Black Powder Rebels.
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