Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius, was not just a painter and inventor but also the center of a scandal that would blow up social media today! Did you know Leonardo was accused of inappropriate relations with a 17-year-old boy? Although the charge was dropped due to lack of evidence, historical sources confirm that Leonardo loved men, and his pupil and companion Gian Giacomo Caprotti, known as Salai, was especially dear to him.
Salai was 28 years younger than Leonardo, and the two lived under the same roof for years. Some historians even claim that the famous Mona Lisa is not a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo, but of Salai himself! Allegedly, hidden messages and anagrams can be seen in Mona Lisa’s eyes, hinting at their relationship.
During the Renaissance, despite Christianity spreading strict norms, artistic and intellectual circles still held more open views on love, including same-sex love. Antiquity was much more tolerant, and men often had young male lovers, which was socially acceptable as long as they played the active role.
However, with the spread of Christianity, homosexuality became subject to draconian punishments, including stoning, burning at the stake, and castration. The term sodomy was long used as a synonym for homosexuality, and the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah served as justification for centuries of persecution of those who were different.
Still, history has known famous queer figures, from Roman Emperor Hadrian to Queen Anne of Great Britain, whose same-sex love affairs are well documented. In modern times, countries like Germany have made great strides in recognizing and protecting queer rights, but attempts to roll back these rights persist.
This story about Leonardo da Vinci and his Salai is not just a historical curiosity but a reminder of how fluid social norms and prejudices are, and how important it is to fight for freedom of love and expression. So, what do you think about the secrets of the Mona Lisa? Did Leonardo really paint his young lover? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll uncover another Renaissance secret!
