Leonardo da Vinci's First CV
Timeless strategies from the master of self-marketing
Table of contents
1482
Year of the application letter
Leonardo applies as a military engineer to Ludovico Sforza.
10
Arguments in the letter
Structured around the duke's problems and solutions.
90%
Focus on military technology
He mentions artistic talent only as a bonus – audience-first!
The Renaissance genius sells himself strategically – from guild letter to pitch.
The historical context: Why Leonardo needed a CV
In 1482 Leonardo da Vinci is stuck in Florence: political unrest, no patron, strong competition. Milan under Duke Ludovico Sforza promises stability — if he can prove he delivers military innovation.
The challenge
Political instability in Florence
No steady employment despite genius status
Competition with established court artists
Urgent need for financial security
The opportunity
Milan seeks military innovators
Ludovico Sforza invests in war technology
Prestige projects for polymaths
Chance for long-term patronage
Leonardo's application letter: point by point
The famous letter contains ten arguments. Each paragraph follows a pattern: the duke's problem, Leonardo's solution, the benefit. Modern CVs can learn from this.
Point 1 – Military bridges
Original: Io ho modi de ponti leggerissimi...
Modern: I can build ultralight, stable bridges
CV lesson: Start with the most relevant skill
Point 2 – Siege engineering
Original: So levare via l'acqua de' fossi
Modern: I can drain moats to enable attacks
CV lesson: Show how you solve concrete pain points
Point 3 – Adaptability
Original: Farò infiniti ponti bei difficili altezze
Modern: I deliver even in difficult terrain
CV lesson: Demonstrate flexibility and versatility
Point 4 – Innovation
Original: Farò carri coperti, securi et inoffensibili
Modern: Armored vehicles that are indestructible
CV lesson: Highlight differentiation
Point 5 – Multi-Domain Skills
Original: Occorrendo di combattere per mare...
Modern: Specialized designs for naval battles
CV lesson: Show cross-domain competence
Point 10 – Art as a bonus
Original: In tempo di pace satisfare in pictura
Modern: Incidentally, I am also a master of art
CV lesson: Mention additional skills in measured doses
Ingenious CV strategies from the polymath
Leonardo's letter is more than a list of skills – it's a strategic document. These five moves work just as well in 2025.
Audience-First
Writes for a warlord, not for art lovers.
Focus on military innovation
Modern: optimize CV for business priorities
Result: Gets the job despite competition
Problem → Solution
Each point solves a concrete scenario.
Siege, naval battle, defense
Modern: achievement-based bullet points
Result: Demonstrates practical benefit
Quantified Confidence
Strong claims without exaggeration.
Countless bridges, completely secure carts
Modern: numbers & proof instead of buzzwords
Result: Competence appears credible
Strategic Understatement
He mentions art only as a bonus.
Main talent in the final sentence
Modern: don't overload with all skills
Result: Creates curiosity about additional competencies
Innovation Positioning
Positions himself as an inventor, not an imitator.
New weapons, new machines
Modern: formulate a unique value proposition
Result: clear differentiation in the market
Renaissance vs. Modern application
Formats differ — the principles stay the same. Five comparison points that show how timeless Leonardo's approach is.
| Aspect | 1482 | Today | Timeless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium & Format | Handwritten parchment letter | PDF, LinkedIn, Video CV | Clear, structured communication |
| Length & Focus | One letter, ten concise points | 1–2 pages of bullet points | Concentration on the essentials |
| Audience | A patron with a war agenda | HR, hiring manager, ATS | Targeted messaging |
| Skill Presentation | Problem-solution structure | Achievements & impact | Prove value to employers |
| Portfolio | Reference to models & drawings | GitHub, Behance, website | Provide proof through work |
| Personal Branding | Polymath, inventor | Industry Expert, Thought Leader | Establish unique positioning |
Timeless lessons
Leonardo provides a playbook for modern applications. Five principles that make any profile stronger.
Know Your Audience
1482: Writes for a warlord
Today: Research the company & hiring manager
Practical: Analyze the job posting, prioritize relevant skills
- Speak the language of the target industry
- Understand current challenges
- Adjust the order of content
Lead with Value
Leonardo starts with military utility
Today: place business impact first
Practical: Address the employer's biggest problem
- Quantify impact
- Put relevant projects at the top
- Describe benefits instead of tasks
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Leonardo references models & prototypes
Today: portfolio, GitHub, case studies
Practical: Back every claim with evidence
- Include links
- Give concrete examples
- Results instead of job tasks
Strategic Positioning
Positions himself as an innovator & problem-solver
Today: sharpen your own value proposition
Practical: What is your unfair advantage?
- Formulate your unique selling point
- Name problems you solve better than others
- Describe approach & methodology
Confidence without arrogance
Confident but respectful language
Today: communicate strongly without superlatives
Practical: Use action verbs + metrics
- Let results speak
- No unsupported superlatives
- Tone: confident, not arrogant
Leonardo's famous quotes — modern interpretation
Bridge-building as a pitch
Original: "Io ho modi de ponti leggerissimi..."
German: "I master methods for ultralight yet strong bridges..."
Analysis: He leads with his most relevant USP
Modern: "I increase revenue through data-driven marketing strategies..."
Understatement as a stylistic device
Original: "In tempo di pace credo satisfare benissimo..."
German: "In peacetime I surpass everyone in architecture..."
Analysis: The greatest talent is mentioned only in passing
Modern: "By the way: my design skills have won several awards..."
Anticipating objections
Original: "Et se alcuna de le sopradette cose vi paressino impossibili..."
German: "If some of the above things seem impossible to you..."
Analysis: Offers proof before doubts arise
Modern: "Proof? See github.com/portfolio"
Leonardo's legacy for applicants
Leonardo shows: genius alone is not enough. Those who position themselves intelligently win the best opportunities. Authenticity, strategic thinking and audience orientation beat pure talent lists.
Inspired by Leonardo?
Create your Renaissance-inspired CV using the master's strategies.