Artist Quote by Walter Isaacson
““Even some of his commissions that were completed, or almost so—Ginevra de’ Benci and the Mona Lisa, for example—were never delivered to clients. Leonardo clung to his favorite works, carried them with him when he moved, and returned to them when he had new ideas. He certainly did that with the Saint Jerome, and he may have planned to do the same with the Adoration of the Magi, which he entrusted to Ginevra’s brother for safekeeping but never sold or gave away. He did not like to let go. That is why he would die with some of his masterpieces still near his bedside. As frustrating as it is to us today, there was a poignant and inspiring aspect to Leonardo’s unwillingness to declare a painting done and relinquish it: he knew that there was always more he might learn, new techniques he might master, and further inspirations that might strike him. And he was right.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Leonardo da Vinci, 2017
Leonardo’s reluctance to finish or sell works reflects a lifelong pursuit of learning and perfection, valuing process over completion.
In simple terms: Leonardo kept working because he always saw room to improve.
Key Takeaway
Value continuous learning and never settle for “finished.”
Themes
art
perfectionism
learning
Mood
philosophical
inspirational
Type
contemplative
thoughtful
When to use this quote
- artist studios
- academic research
- personal projects
- skill development
- innovation
Key Concepts
creative process
mastery
unfinished work
Questions to Reflect On
- What unfinished projects do you hold onto?
- How can you balance refinement with completion?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can stall progress and cause missed opportunities.
