New studies reveal unknown artist behind Ambrosiana's 'San Giovanni Battista'

Recent non-invasive diagnostic studies at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan have confirmed that the 'San Giovanni Battista' (St. John the Baptist) was not painted by Salaino (Salaì), Leonardo da Vinci's pupil, but by an unidentified indirect follower of Leonardo. The research, supported by Banca Patrimoni Sella and coordinated by Alberto Rocca, included infrared reflectography and pigment analysis conducted in summer 2024. The painting, documented at the Ambrosiana since 1641, was previously attributed to Bernardino Luini, then Leonardo himself, and most recently to Salaino. However, comparison with Salaino's signed and dated 'Salvator Mundi' (1511), donated by Bernardo Caprotti in 2013, revealed stylistic differences. The 'San Giovanni' shows a fine, careful underdrawing similar to Leonardo's technique, while Salaino's work is coarser. The palette includes expensive lapis lazuli blue, indicating a wealthy patron. Unique orange threads outline the subject's hair. The unknown artist likely had no direct access to Leonardo's finished works (which remained in France after his death) but studied his graphic materials, possibly through Francesco Melzi, Leonardo's other pupil who brought drawings back to Italy. This suggests an indirect Leonardesque painter, possibly self-taught, active in Melzi's circle.