Leonardo da Vinci

Freud's psychoanalytic exploration delves into Leonardo da Vinci's childhood experiences, particularly a vivid memory involving a bird that he interprets as a fantasy linked to his early nursing. This essay discusses the implications of this memory, connecting it to Egyptian symbolism and maternal figures, highlighting Freud's belief in the significance of such early experiences on artistic expression. He also examines Leonardo's unique depiction of the Virgin Mary and St. Anne, suggesting a personal resonance due to Leonardo's own complex familial background.