Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) personifies the positive revolutionary dynamism of modern western civilization of the period – in sharp contrast to the "medieval" society and thinking of Muscovite Russia. He displayed the universality of his genius as painter and draftsman, as inventor and engineer, as naturalist and scientist. His artistic works may represent the highest aesthetic expression of Renaissance art. His investigations and speculations concerning natural phenomena foreshadowed the systematic scientific discoveries and inventions of later centuries.