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Leonardo da Vinci (baptised Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci) ( pronunciation ), (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was one of the leading artists of the High Renaissance. Fifteen works are generally attributed either in whole or in large part to him. Most are paintings on panel, with the remainder a mural, a large drawing on paper, and two works in the early stages of preparation. The authorship of several paintings traditionally attributed to Leonardo being disputed. Two major works are known only as copies. Works are regularly attributed to Leonardo with varying degrees of credibility. None of Leonardo's paintings are signed. The attributions here draw on the opinions of various scholars.
The small number of surviving paintings is due in part to Leonardo's frequently disastrous experimentation with new techniques, and his chronic procrastination. Nevertheless, these few works together with his notebooks, which contain drawings, scientific diagrams, and his thoughts on the nature of painting, comprise a contribution to later generations of artists rivalled only by that of his contemporary, Michelangelo.