Io, Leonardo [2026]

: Since he was the illegitimate son of a Florentine notary, he was not permitted to use a traditional family name. Signing as "Io, Leonardo" emphasized his individual identity over his lineage.

Because he was born out of wedlock, Leonardo did not have a formal family surname; "da Vinci" simply indicated he was from the town of Vinci. Consequently, he often signed his journals and works simply as "Leonardo" or more assertively as "Io, Leonardo". Historical Significance of the Signature Io, Leonardo

The phrase has also been used in various modern contexts to evoke the artist's legacy: : Since he was the illegitimate son of