Gian Giacomo Caprotti (R), an effeminate young artist who worked with da Vinci for 25 years, is thought to have served as a model and muse for several of his paintings.

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Italian researchers said they have discovered the disputed identity of the model for Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa -- and claimed he was a man, AFP reports.

Silvano Vinceti, chairman of the Italian national committee for cultural heritage, said his male apprentice and possible lover Salai was the main inspiration for the picture.

Salai, whose real name was Gian Giacomo Caprotti, an effeminate young artist who worked with da Vinci for 25 years, is thought to have served as a model and muse for several of his paintings. The pair had an "ambiguous" relationship and were probably lovers, Vinceti said. （点击雅虎新闻网站查看原文）

蒙娜丽莎原型或为男性

       据法新社报道，意大利专家称广受争议的文艺复兴巨匠达·芬奇的知名油画《蒙娜丽莎》原型是一名男子。

       意大利文化遗产全国委员会主席希尔瓦诺·凡塞蒂认为原型人物可能是达芬奇的学徒，也是其同性恋人萨莱。

       相貌俊秀柔弱的年轻艺术家萨莱的本名叫吉安·贾科莫·卡坡罗蒂。萨莱和达芬奇共事25年，作为达芬奇不少文艺复兴画作的模特，他为达芬奇带来创作灵感的来源。凡塞蒂还补充说，这对师徒之间的关系十分暧昧，应该是同性恋人。