The Interconnection of Art and Science in the Renaissance: Leonardo da Vinci's Anatomical Sketches and Their Contribution to Knowledge

Abstract

The period of Renaissance is known for significant advancement in art, literature, and science. It was marked by a surge of interest in learning from classical Greek and Roman ways of learning. As part of that interest in learning and discovering truth came a deeper exploration of human anatomy, which is about study of human bodily structure including muscle, veins, and bone. Artists like Leonardo Da Vinci during this period conducted anatomy to sketch how the body looked like beneath the skin. His sketches were not simply an artistic endeavor but also an advanced scientific inquiry into the functions of the body. This suggests that art and science cross path through the study of anatomy and that there exists a great connection between two fields. To evaluate how art and science intertwined through anatomy, this research focuses on several of Leonardo’s anatomical sketches to show how scientific practices were reflected in his artwork. This research concludes that Leonardo’s anatomy sketches synthesize art and science by using art materials to further one’s understanding of the scientific discipline. In sketching how body parts looked like beneath skin and tissue, Leonardo’s artistic exploration contributed to scientific inquiry to deepen understanding of the human body.