Leonardo da Vinci's early life significantly informed his diverse talents. Born in 1452 in Florence, Italy, he was an illegitimate child raised in a small town, which exposed him to the natural world and various crafts from a young age. Da Vinci apprenticed in the workshop of painter Andrea del Verrocchio, where he honed his skills in painting, sculpture, and engineering. His curiosity about the world led to interests in anatomy, mechanics, and natural sciences, resulting in groundbreaking contributions to art and science. These early experiences cultivated his inquisitive mind, invention, and mastery across multiple disciplines.