Expert claims main influence for the Mona Lisa was a male

An Italian researcher says the main influence and model for the "Mona Lisa" was a male apprentice of the artist Leonardo da Vinci. This is one of many theories surrounding the identity of the "Mona Lisa," ranging from a self-portrait to a Florentine merchant's wife.

An Italian researcher says the main influence and model for the "Mona Lisa" was a male apprentice of the artist Leonardo da Vinci.

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Gian Giacomo Caprotti, known as Salai, worked with Leonardo for years starting in 1490. Art historian Silvano Vinceti said on Wednesday that several Leonardo works, including "St. John the Baptist," were based on Salai and that similarities with the "Mona Lisa's" nose and mouth were evident.

This is one of many theories surrounding the identity of the "Mona Lisa," ranging from a self-portrait to a Florentine merchant's wife.

It is not the first time Salai's name has been mentioned as a possible model. Vinceti insists there were various sources of inspiration at various stages and that the painting is full of symbolic meanings.