ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCESCO MELZI (1491/3-C. 1570)
A portrait of Leonardo
c.1515-18RCIN 912726
Leonardo’s early biographers testify to his charming character and to his personal beauty, with well-kept hair and beard and a love of fine clothes. This is the only contemporary portrait of Leonardo to survive. It is probably the work of his pupil and heir Francesco Melzi, who preserved the portrait as a memento of his master.