Leonardo wasn't known as a painter

Leonardo considered himself an engineer and architect, which he did with great passion. But his first job was as a theatrical producer.

Here, he learned how to do tricks with perspective. The stage in a theatre recedes faster and looks deeper than it is. Even a table onstage would be tilted slightly so you can see it. This is what we see in "The Last supper." Likewise. we can see the gestures of the characters exaggerated.

His theatrical production led him to mechanical props, like flying machines and a helicopter screw, designed to lower angels in some performances.