WHO DOES GOD SAY WE ARE?: THE LATE STARTERS CLUB By Michael Chima

We came across an inspiring story of Late Starters and was surprised to learn that Leonardo Da Vinci (the Universal Genius) was one. Culled from an article by Micheal Chima (a Nigerian Writer) published on Thisdaylive.com of 27 April 2013, the article is sure to inspire you and reinforce the truth that God does not forget; if He says He will do it, it will come to pass.

At 43, Leonardo da Vinci was a ‘nobody’ as they say it in Nigeria. The man recognised as one of history’s greatest artists and a genius had tried his hands at many things but failed. He was a failure. Yet, in many ways, his life largely was the record of failure.

According to popular biographer, Ross King, Leonardo had hoped to find work as an architect, but, “his wooden model for a domed tower for Milan’s half-built cathedral was rejected.” He tried to get the job of designing and casting the bronze doors for Piacenza Cathedral, but received no response.

Da Vinci at the height of his creative genius

He also drew up a detailed plan to redevelop the city of Milan, “not a single part of this plan was ever adopted or constructed.” He designed many military weapons, but these remained largely undeveloped; he was commissioned to sculpt a massive bronze statue, yet it was never completed, despite years of labour.

Leonardo’s breakthrough came when he was commissioned to paint a “Last Supper” scene in the refectory of Santa Marie delle Grazie. He began the work in early 1495, as a French army rolled through Italy.

 

The painting that gave Da Vinci his breakthrough

The iconic Mona Lisa, perhaps one of the most recognized paintings of the European Renaissance period, was painted by Da Vinci 

The account goes on to say that after many years at the court of Lodovico Sforza, Leonardo was at a low point personally and professionally. He had reached the age of 43 without having completed a major work that fulfilled his astonishing promise. The latest in his chain of failures was a giant bronze horse to honour Lodovico Sforza’s father. After he had spent the better part of a decade planning the monumental sculpture, his 75 tons of bronze were expropriated to be turned into cannon to help repel the French invasion.

 

Da Vinci was also an engineer, architect as well as an artists. He invented many things including a prototype of an early helicopter

When The Last Supper was completed, it became clear that he was an extraordinary artistic genius. He succeeded despite his frustrations because of his persistence and in defiance of his age.

Despite his age, and being frustrated by war and political turmoil, and beset by his own insecurities and logistical difficulties, Leonardo created a masterpiece that would forever define his reputation.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/is-nigeria-ready-for-the-ebook-revolution-/146056/