Scholars have pinpointed Salaì, a pupil and model of Leonardo da Vinci, as the most likely painter of a contemporary copy of Mona Lisa, which went on display at Madrid's Prado Museum in February.
By Florence Waters
3:36PM GMT 06 Mar 2012

Last month, a copy of Leonardo's most famous painting rocked the art world with revelations about its provenance.

Two weeks after it went on show to the public at the Prado, the museum's conservation team believe they are closing in on a conclusion about the painting's authorship.

The most likely candidate is Gian Giacomo Caprotti, the apprentice known as "Salaì" - which translates as "Little Devil" - who went to work in Leonardo's workshop when he was ten years old.

Many historians believe, though it is not proven, that Salaì was Leonardo's lover. He is presumed to be the youthful model for Leonardo's paintings 'St. John the Baptist' and 'Bacchus', as well as numerous drawings.

More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/9126366/Mona-Lisa-copy-may-have-been-painted-by-Leonardo-da-Vincis-lover-art-historians-suggest.html