When did Leonardo da Vinci become famous?

Answer 1

1466?

Leonardo would have JUST entered his apprenticeship with Verrocchio then. He probably only gained "fame" after helping his master to paint on "St.John the Baptist" 1472-75.

A much later (1590) historian/painter named Vasari wrote that when Leonardo's Master saw what Leo had painted (on the angels in that work) and how talented he was with a brush, Verrocchio swore never to paint again.

While this makes a good story, and would have traveled quickly IF it were true, it was probably because Verrocchio was able to make more income as a sculptor than as a painter anyway!

Answer 2

1466?

Leonardo would have JUST entered his apprenticeship with Verrocchio then. He probably only gained "fame" after helping his master to paint on "St.John the Baptist" 1472-75.

A much later (1590) historian/painter named Vasari wrote that when Leonardo's Master saw what Leo had painted (on the angels in that work) and how talented he was with a brush, Verrocchio swore never to paint again.

While this makes a good story, and would have traveled quickly IF it were true, it was probably because Verrocchio was able to make more income as a sculptor than as a painter anyway!