Why Leonardo da Vinci Exceeded Michelangelo and Raphael in his Artistic Achievements

Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Raphael Sanzio are often referred to as the 'Three Greats' of the Renaissance. However, despite the lack of formal training experienced by Leonardo, he is often considered the greatest of these three artists. This is due to a combination of his natural talent, technical skill, and innovative approach to his art.

Leonardo's Early Experience and Training

Even before his formal training with Andrea del Verrocchio, Leonardo demonstrated his artistic prowess. His contributions to Verrocchio's workshop were notable, with many art historians pointing to the Baptism of Christ as evidence of Leonardo's pre-existing talent. The first time he painted, he must have been experienced, much like a pianist wouldn't play Bach for the first time. Despite his young age, Leonardo's skills were evident, which could have been due to prior exposure to art and techniques or natural talent.

Overcoming Obstacles to Create Artistic Innovation

Leonardo's remarkable achievements were not just a result of his natural talent. He also faced numerous obstacles that he overcame through sheer determination and ingenuity. Most notably, Leonardo suffered from poor eyesight. Anatomical drawings suggest that he covered one of his eyes to improve his vision, indicating a need for spectacles. Despite these challenges, Leonardo devised creative solutions, such as using mirrors and lenses to project images to study depth and develop his skills.

Leonardo's Study of Perspective and Optics

What sets Leonardo apart from his contemporaries is his extensive study of perspective and optics. Leonardo's notebooks contain over 700 pages of notes on these subjects, detailing what he called "the nature of perspective." His work on the principles of perspective was both philosophical and practical, allowing him to apply mathematical principles to improve the precision of his work. This approach to art was unprecedented and had a profound impact on the development of Western art.

Subjectivity and Personal Taste in Art

While Leonard da Vinci is often heralded as the greatest, it is important to recognize that artistic merit is subjective and can vary greatly depending on personal preferences. Many people might have a different opinion on who is the best artist among the three. What one person likes might not resonate with another. Thus, the concept of one artist 'surpassing' another in this context is somewhat subjective and varies depending on the viewer.

Popularity and Legacy

The perception of Leonardo as the greatest artist might also be influenced by the sheer amount of information and references to him. Historical accounts and the media often highlight Leonardo more frequently, leading to a bias towards his work. This combination of third-party validation and cognitive bias plays a significant role in why many people hold Leonardo in such high regard.

In conclusion, while Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael are all revered artists for their distinct styles and contributions to art, it is Leonardo who stands out due to his innovative approach, technical skill, and the depth of his studies in perspective and optics. His legacy is a testament to his brilliance and the enduring impact of his work on the art world.