Leonardo da Vinci’s resume letter to Ludovico Sforza, 1482.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Applying for jobs has always been stressful.
Early in his career, before theMona LisaandThe Last Supper, the legendary artist was still building his reputation.
Leonardo da Vinci’s “resumé” letter to Ludovico Sforza, 1482. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
He had to seek work from the wealthy, noble patrons of Italy.
His efforts left behind a fascinating letter, which can be regarded as one of the earliest extant resumes.
Da Vinci, who was born in 1452, was only thirty years old when he wrote the letter.
A presumed self-portrait of the artist circa 1512. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Lacking a formal education, he taught himself Latin and math.
Hisextensive notebooksare full of anatomical studies and tightly written notes.
It was these studies that Da Vinci thought were most marketable to his noble clientele.
A study of horses, circa 1590. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
One of whom wasSforza, who took the throne of Milan 12 years after the letter.
Such a nobleman could use the skills of an engineer.
Most of the skills professed were in the realm of war.
The Lady with an Ermine (Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani), circa 1490. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
you’re able to read the full text of the resumehere.
Even Renaissance master and polymath Leonardo da Vinci had to apply for jobs with a resume.
A presumed self-portrait of the artist circa 1512.
A study of horses, circa 1590.
The Lady with an Ermine (Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani), circa 1490.
