Bird's eye view of sea coast 1515

This bird's eye view of a sea coast was made by Leonardo da Vinci, using pen and ink on paper. These were the essential technologies for the creation of maps, which were highly valued for their military use and promotion of trade. The ink lines, combined with subtle shading, creates a convincing impression of three-dimensionality, a technique also used in Da Vinci's paintings. The landscape is vividly brought to life. Look at the way he rendered the water. The blue wash, applied smoothly, captures the essence of the sea, emphasizing its vastness. This drawing is more than just a depiction of nature. It's a testament to human ingenuity and skill. Da Vinci's approach elevates map-making to an art form, showing how craft and scientific observation could combine to expand knowledge of the world. It bridges the gap between artistic expression and practical application.