One of the most influential figures in the history of western art, Leonardo was raised in the small town of Vinci outside Florence and began his artistic career as an apprentice in the Florentine studio of Andrea Verrocchio.  He was a draughtsman, painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, inventor, and writer – the original “Renaissance man” whose contributions to a wide range of disciplines are virtually immeasurable.  Leonardo was one of the most celebrated artists in his own lifetime, working for such impressive patrons as the Giuliano de’ Medici in Rome, the Sforza in Milan, Isabella d’Este in Mantua, and the French King Francis I.

The number of fully accepted paintings by Leonardo is relatively small, as many works were never completed by the artist and others have since been lost.  Those that have survived are among the most famous paintings in the history of art, all of which were at risk of being damaged or stolen during World War II. The names of each painting and the museum where it currently may be viewed are listed below.