La Gioconda del Prado- Exact Copy of Leonardo Da Vinci Mona Lisa

From My Art Readings This Week

La Gioconda del Prado: A better preserved exact copy of the Mona Lisa, made by one of da Vinci's students. Discovered in 2012, It shows details that are no longer visible in the Mona Lisa anymore.

This is La Gioconda del Prado, an extraordinary copy of the Mona Lisa, painted by one of Leonardo da Vinci’s students (likely Francesco Melzi or Salaì) alongside the master himself.

Long thought to be just another replica, it sat unnoticed in Madrid’s Prado Museum for centuries. But in 2012, during restoration, infrared scans revealed it was painted in real time, mirroring Leonardo’s own brushstrokes and composition.

What sets it apart? Unlike the original, which has darkened and cracked over 500 years, this version has been far better preserved, revealing background details and colors now faded or lost in the original.

Fun fact: The black background once thought to be original was actually overpainted in the 18th century. When it was removed, a vivid landscape—matching da Vinci’s—was revealed, offering a rare glimpse into what the Mona Lisa may have looked like when it first left Leonardo’s studio.

Meanwhile, here's the answer to the question-Was Leonardo da Vinci Bisexual?

Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated worldwide as the quintessential Renaissance man—a painter, inventor, scientist, and thinker whose influence continues to shape modern art and science. Yet despite all that is known about his professional brilliance, Leonardo’s personal life remains wrapped in mystery, especially when it comes to his sexuality.

One of the most intriguing and frequently asked questions about da Vinci is: Was he bisexual—or even gay?

A Glimpse into the Historical Record

Leonardo never married, and there are no records of romantic involvement with women. But in 1476, at the age of 24, Leonardo was anonymously accused—along with three other young men—of engaging in homosexual acts with a known male prostitute. He was arrested in Florence, but the charges were eventually dropped due to a lack of evidence and perhaps the social standing of the accused.

This event is one of the very few documented glimpses into Leonardo's private life and has fueled speculation ever since. Though the accusation does not prove anything conclusively, it suggests that Leonardo may have had same-sex relationships or desires.

Close Companions, Deep Bonds

Two men played major roles in Leonardo’s personal and professional life:

• Gian Giacomo Caprotti, also known as Salai, entered Leonardo's household at the age of 10 and remained with him for over two decades. Described as beautiful, vain, and mischievous, Salai was both muse and model—many believe he inspired some of Leonardo's more sensual male sketches.

• Francesco Melzi, a nobleman’s son, became Leonardo's devoted pupil and heir. He accompanied Leonardo until the artist’s death in France in 1519.

While there’s no definitive evidence of romantic involvement, the intensity and longevity of these relationships, particularly with Salai, have led many scholars to interpret them as potentially romantic or sexual.

Art as Expression?

Leonardo’s art often featured idealized male figures, portrayed with an almost sensual reverence. From the graceful beauty of St. John the Baptist to anatomical sketches of the male body, some modern art historians see homoerotic undertones in his work. Still, these interpretations are speculative, and art alone cannot confirm an artist’s orientation.

So, Was He Bisexual?

By today’s labels, it’s impossible to say for certain. There is no conclusive documentation of Leonardo engaging in romantic or sexual relationships—whether with men or women. However, based on historical evidence and the nature of his personal relationships, many scholars cautiously believe Leonardo da Vinci may have been gay or bisexual.

Ultimately, like much of Leonardo’s life, his sexuality is a puzzle with missing pieces. What we do know is this: his genius transcended the boundaries of his time—and perhaps, so did his love.

Lastly, Did you know that....

The Philippines is one of the world’s last strongholds for the giant clam (Tridacna gigas) — the largest bivalve on Earth!

These ocean giants can grow up to 4 feet wide and weigh over 200 kilograms. But due to overharvesting and habitat loss, they’ve become endangered in many parts of the world.

Thanks to the efforts of marine scientists — especially from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) — the Philippines has become a global leader in breeding and restoring giant clams in the wild.

From reef guardians to biodiversity icons, these gentle giants are helping rebuild our coral ecosystems — and they call Philippine waters home.