One of the most famous artists who kept live mice in a desk drawer for sketching purposes was none other than Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci, known for his incredible artistic talents and innovative thinking, had a fascination with studying and understanding the natural world around him. This led him to keep various animals, including mice, as part of his personal menagerie for observation and study.

Da Vinci's decision to keep live mice in his desk drawer was not just a quirky habit, but a practical one as well. Having live animals readily available allowed him to sketch them quickly and accurately whenever inspiration struck. The mice provided him with a unique opportunity to study their movements, anatomy, and behaviors up close, which undoubtedly influenced his artistic work.

Despite the unconventional nature of keeping mice in a desk drawer, da Vinci's dedication to his craft and his commitment to understanding the natural world set him apart as a true Renaissance man. His sketches of the mice, along with his other scientific and artistic endeavors, continue to inspire and awe people to this day.

For more information on Leonardo da Vinci and his fascinating life and work, you can visit the official Leonardo da Vinci Museum website. There, you can explore his famous artworks, inventions, and discoveries, as well as learn more about his unique methods and practices.

In conclusion, the story of Leonardo da Vinci keeping live mice in a desk drawer for sketching purposes is just one example of his insatiable curiosity and dedication to his art. By studying the natural world around him in such a hands-on way, da Vinci was able to create some of the most iconic and enduring works of art in history.

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