And so, the interest of Leonardo for his “Saladino” waned, while that for Melzi grew, so much so the young man followed him around even when he left Milan. Melzi was 15, handsome and cultured, something Salaì, who came from a family of much lower extraction, wasn’t. Things were to change in 1506, when a young Milanese of fine features and noble origins, Francesco Melzi, joined Leonardo’s atelier.
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Leonardo indulged him with gifts and kept him by his side even when it became obvious the artistic career wasn’t for him: Salaì was more of a pragmatic type, and helped his master to keep order in his financial and professional affairs. Caprotti’s mischievousness gained him the nickname of Salaì, Saladin, given to him by Leonardo himself.Īs a young man, Salaì was beautiful and ephebic and became subject of many of Leonardo’s sketches, as well as inspiration for some of his works, including the Saint John the Baptist, today at the Louvre. He came from a humble Milanese family and he was a bit of a hell raiser, with a penchant for playing tricks on his mentor and, every now and then, even for stealing some money off him. Jacomo Caprotti became Leonardo’s apprentice in 1490, when he was only 10. These are Gian Giacomo Caprotti, known as il Salaì, and Francesco Melzi. Both were his students, but for many, they were also his lovers. Nothing factual, then, but two names recur often in the discussion. There’s also a sodomy report filed in 1476 against him, but accusations were dropped because it was anonymous. He may have left some hints, like a plethora of anatomically detailed male members drawings. Even if we don’t have any hard proof about Leonardo’s sexual preference. In Renaissance Italy, homosexuality was illegal. Very soon, he became his master’s favorite apprentice, to the point some speculated theirs may have been more than a simple mentor-mentee relationship. In 1469, thanks to his talent and his father’s connections, Leonardo entered the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, the most prestigious in Florence. Leonardo Da Vinci’s secret: his love life Their goal is to learn more (through genetics) about the artist’s physical appearance, diet, health and personal habits. It’s an initiative that brings together experts from Italian, French, Spanish, American and Canadian universities.
Nothing conclusive, but more details could emerge this year, after a long awaited DNA test will be carried out by the people of the Leonardo Project. Hence, some have speculated Leonardo’s mom could have been a former slave coming from the Middle East. Also, Caterina was a common name among women who converted to Catholicism. And, lo and behold, its structure would be typical of individuals of Arabic descent. In 2006, a team of researchers from the universities of Chieti and Pescara managed to reconstruct Leonardo’s left index’s fingerprint.
While others Caterina di Antonio di Cambio, the daughter of small landowners. They managed to come up with a couple of names: some say Caterina di Meo di Lippo, a pauper who lived in a neglected farm near the village. Local historians poured their minds and eyes into Vinci’s archives. In fact, she sent him to live with his father. Her figure is shrouded in mystery, because she spent little time with her son. His father was Piero, Florentine notary and notorious womanizer. Leonardo was born on the 15th of April 1452 in Vinci, a small village near Empoli, in Tuscany. Indeed, da Vinci continues to be source of interest and curiosity. All the way to the hypotheses proposed in the pages of contemporary best sellers. From his origins and his spiritual beliefs, to the name – and gender – of his lovers. Yet, there is so much still to discover, when it comes to Leonardo. Also, we know about his uncontrollable genius, creativity, and about his quirky habit of writing from right to left. We all know he is Mona Lisa’s father, the most enigmatic painting ever created.
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