Visitors to Rome over Christmas may like to take the opportunity to see a painting attributed by some experts to Leonardo da Vinci at the Musei Capitolini. “Il Musico” [“Portrait of a Musician”] was probably painted in 1490 and has been kept in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan for 500 years. Its display in Rome is exceptional.
The painting is generally thought to be of Franchino Gaffurio [1451 – 1522] who was maestro di cappella [chapel master] at Milan Cathedral from 1484. He is holding part of a musical score in his hand. The hand and sheet music may have been late additions to the painting but art experts believe that da Vinci’s fine work can be perceived in the face.
The portrait can be seen in the Esedra di Marco Aurelio on the following days and times until 27th February 2011:
Tuesday – Sunday: 09.00 – 20.00
24th and 31st December 2010: 09.00 – 14.00
Closed: Mondays, 25th December 2010, 1st January 2011.
Entrance fee: Museum plus “Il Musico”: €11.00.
