the collector's folio

Francesco Melzi Most Popular Paintings

The 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 18 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Francesco Melzi · 1491 – 1570

Flora

1517 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 76 x 63 cm

Admire 'Flora' by Francesco Melzi (1517-21), Leonardo da Vinci’s devoted pupil. This exquisite Renaissance portrait captures grace & beauty, a testament to artistic legacy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28963 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Flora

Galleria Borghese, Rome · original 65 x 55 cm

Experience the dramatic chiaroscuro of Francesco Melzi's Flora, a Renaissance masterpiece celebrating spring's beauty; discover this timeless vision today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25355 × 65 cm Commission at original size

St Anne with the Virgin and the Child Embracing a Lamb

1520 · Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence · original 99 x 72 cm

Experience the serene grace of Melzi's High Renaissance masterpiece, St Anne with the Virgin and Child Embracing a Lamb; discover this echo of divine artistry today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$35772 × 99 cm Commission at original size

Pomona and Vertumnus

1517 · Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin · original 185 x 134 cm

Francesco Melzi's 'Pomona and Vertumnus,' painted around 1518-1522, showcases a serene scene inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. Leonardo da Vinci’s stylistic impact is evident through the use of sfumato, mirroring compositions like Mona Lisa, highlighting botanical observation and symbolizing marital harmony with elm and vine imagery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$870134 × 185 cm Commission at original size

Female Saint

1530 · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Leonardo

Royal Library, Windsor · original 275 x 190 cm

Francesco Melzi’s ethereal chalk portrait of Leonardo da Vinci captures the Renaissance genius's contemplative spirit and intellectual curiosity. This iconic 16th-century likeness, a testament to humanism, invites you to own a piece of art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Seven caricatures

1515 · Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, Venice · original 180 x 120 cm

Discover Francesco Melzi’s ‘Seven Caricatures’ (1515). A rare pen & ink study of human anatomy in Renaissance style. Explore this captivating artwork at the Gallerie dell'Accademia!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$37726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$978120 × 180 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of unknown lady

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Madonna and Child in a Jasmine Bower

1520

Admire Francesco Melzi’s "Madonna and Child," a serene Renaissance oil painting of Mary & Jesus in a lush jasmine bower. Explore sfumato details & symbolic beauty – a timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20227 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The holy family

Admire Francesco Melzi’s Renaissance ‘The Holy Family,’ a serene oil painting of Mary, Jesus & Joseph. Explore its classical beauty, rich textures & spiritual depth – a timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Man with a Parrot

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Leda and the Swan

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

The castle of Amboise

1516 · Royal Collection, London · original 13 x 26 cm

A detailed Renaissance view of the historic Castle of Amboise captured by Francesco Melzi, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the Loire Valley through a masterful hand-painted lens for your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17745 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Rhea silvia

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17748 × 21 cm Commission this artwork

Two Grotesque Heads

Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 54 x 99 cm

Discover "Two Grotesque Heads" by Francesco Melzi – a masterful Renaissance drawing showcasing sfumato & intricate detail. Explore this unique artwork's symbolism and artistic legacy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20243 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33099 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Five Grotesque Heads

1515 · Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, Venice · original 180 x 120 cm

Explore 'Five Grotesque Heads' by Francesco Melzi – a haunting pen and ink sketch capturing human emotion with minimalist background, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$778120 × 180 cm Commission at original size

Purported self-portrait of Francesco Melzi

Examine Francesco Melzi’s purported self-portrait – a Renaissance masterpiece! Explore its oil on panel technique, layered details & muted tones. A unique glimpse into 16th-century art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Francesco Melzi

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 18 artworks by Francesco Melzi
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Francesco Melzi

1491 – 1570

Quick facts

Born1491, Milan, Italy
Museums on APSDetroit Institute of Arts, Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, Galleria Borghese, Hermitage Museum, Galleria degli Uffizi
Vibecalm
Lifespan79 years
Also known asFrancesco Melzo, F. Melzi, Francesco Virgolini, فرانشيسكو ميلزي, Φραντσέσκο Μέλτσι
Top 3 worksFlora, St Anne with the Virgin and the Child Embracing a Lamb
Copyright statusPublic domain
Emotional tonereflective

Biography

A Life Entwined with Genius: The Story of Francesco Melzi

Francesco Melzi, born into the nobility of Milan in 1491, occupies a unique and often understated position within the narrative of Renaissance art. He wasn’t a master who blazed his own trail with revolutionary paintings, but rather a devoted disciple, a trusted companion, and ultimately, the guardian of Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary legacy. His life became inextricably linked to that of the Florentine genius, shaping not only his artistic development but also defining his enduring contribution to art history. Melzi’s upbringing within the sophisticated Milanese court instilled in him a sense of refinement and responsibility, qualities that would prove invaluable as he navigated the complex world surrounding Leonardo. His father, Gerolamo Melzi, served both Francesco Sforza and Louis XII, providing a backdrop of political engagement and cultural awareness for the young artist. It was within this environment that fate intervened, bringing the fourteen-year-old Francesco into the orbit of Leonardo da Vinci upon the master’s return to Milan around 1505.

The Apprenticeship: A Bond Beyond Art

Leonardo quickly recognized something special in Francesco – a gentle nature, an eager intellect, and a handsome presence that captivated him. This wasn't merely a professional arrangement; it blossomed into a deep and affectionate bond. Francesco became Leonardo’s favorite pupil, his constant companion, and more than just an assistant. He accompanied the master on his travels, witnessing firsthand the unfolding of Leonardo’s multifaceted genius in Rome (1513) and later in France (1516). Beyond assisting with paintings and sketches, Francesco served as a secretary, meticulously scribing manuscripts like the *Codex Trivulzianus*, preserving Leonardo's thoughts and observations. Perhaps his most crucial contribution during this period was his role in compiling and organizing Leonardo’s vast collection of notes on painting into what became known as the *Codex Urbinas*. This painstaking work wasn’t simply transcription; it was an act of intellectual curation, ensuring that Leonardo’s artistic theories and techniques wouldn't be lost to time. He remained steadfastly by Leonardo’s side until his death in 1519, becoming the last of his pupils to share in the master’s final years – a testament to their profound connection.

Preserving a Legacy: Beyond Artistic Creation

While capable as a painter himself—examples like his *Purported Self-Portrait* and *Seven Caricatures* demonstrate a refined hand and an understanding of Renaissance aesthetics—Francesco Melzi’s artistic output remains relatively limited when compared to the monumental achievements of Leonardo. His true legacy lies not in creating a vast body of original work, but in safeguarding and disseminating that of his master. Following Leonardo's death, Francesco diligently worked to complete unfinished paintings and plans left behind, ensuring their realization even after the artist’s passing. More importantly, he became the executor of Leonardo’s will, entrusted with the immense responsibility of caring for his artistic estate. This involved not only protecting the physical artworks but also preserving the intellectual wealth contained within Leonardo's notebooks and manuscripts. He understood the importance of these writings, recognizing them as a key to unlocking the secrets of Leonardo’s genius. Though immediate publication wasn’t undertaken, Francesco ensured that Leonardo’s ideas were carefully preserved for future generations.

Family, Inheritance, and Enduring Influence

Returning to Italy after Leonardo's death, Francesco married Angiola di Landriani and established a family, fathering eight children. The responsibility of continuing Leonardo’s legacy remained paramount, however. His son, Orazio, would eventually inherit the precious manuscripts—a continuation of the trust placed in the Melzi family by Leonardo himself. This ensured that the knowledge contained within those pages wouldn't be scattered or lost but would remain accessible to scholars and artists for centuries to come. While often overshadowed by his illustrious mentor, Francesco Melzi’s contribution to art history is undeniable. He was more than just a pupil; he was a custodian of genius, a dedicated preserver of knowledge, and a vital link in the transmission of Leonardo da Vinci's revolutionary ideas. Some scholars, like Sigmund Freud, have even suggested that his close association with Leonardo may have inadvertently hindered his own artistic development, preventing him from fully establishing an independent style. Nevertheless, Francesco Melzi’s name remains forever intertwined with that of Leonardo da Vinci—a testament to a unique and enduring partnership that shaped the course of Renaissance art.

Questions & Answers

How do I find all works by Francesco Melzi in a given medium?

To find all works by Francesco Melzi in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

Where can I see Francesco Melzi's artworks in chronological order?

A timeline of Francesco Melzi's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.

Is there a complete list of Francesco Melzi's artworks?

Every work by Francesco Melzi on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated June 14, 2026

Collector's quiz

What was Francesco Melzi's primary role in relation to Leonardo da Vinci?
What significant manuscript did Francesco Melzi compile from Leonardo da Vinci's notes?
From what social class did Francesco Melzi originate?
After Leonardo da Vinci's death, what did Francesco Melzi do?
According to some theories, why might Francesco Melzi's own artistic output have been limited?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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