Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci is a genius, hungry for knowledge but frustrated that he has not found his true calling. Eventually he will become the most famous artist of all time, some say the most recognized figure after Jesus, but when we first meet him he is an outsider, a bastard who grew up as
a peasant.

While his genius is uplifting, it also has a destructive component – both to him and the world at large. As a bastard he yearns for legitimacy. He is haunted by the absence of his mother and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Wounded by his father’s disdain, he looks for a surrogate father in both Verrocchio and the Turk.

Da Vinci is learned, but not yet wise. He will come to realize that personal sacrifice is often necessary for the greater good and will make sacrifices for both Florence and those he loves.

Played by Tom Riley