Flora

mythological

The model for this painting, formerly thought to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci, was believed to be a lady from the retinue of King Francis I, Leonardo's last patron. It is now known to have been painted by Francesco Melzi, Leonardo's favourite pupil. Flora, the ancient goddess of vegetation, is depicted with flowers executed with the pedantic precision characteristic of Leonardo's school.

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About the Artist

Francesco Melzi

1493 – 1570

Italian painter, pupil, assistant and confidant of Leonardo da Vinci. He worked with Leonardo in Rome, Bologna and he also followed him to France. He was clearly dependent on his master and he was his companion during the last stage of his life. He was also the one who completed Leonardo's treatise on painting after his death. Melzi appears to have shared the master's knowledge, and Leonardo developed his last works together with him. He made him his main heir and left him his workshop together with all his notebooks and drawings.

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