Two unknown paintings by Leonardo claimed by Jacopo Ligozzi

Abstract

This study focuses on a dispute dating back to the late 16th century between the Veronese painter Jacopo Ligozzi, who was working in Florence, and his assistant, the Pomarancino Andrea Alberti. The latter, hailing from Mantua, appointed Madonna Leonora, a Florentine, as his proxy. With the intervention of the Florentine Artists' Judiciary, Ligozzi requested the restitution or payment for two artworks retained by Alberti: the Head of Christ's Shroud and the Madonna with Other Saints. The paternity of the latter painting was recognized as belonging to Leonardo da Vinci. Within this overview, an attempt is made to identify the two currently unknown works, possibly both by Leonardo. The text, accompanied by the transcription of original documents, traces the entire story leading to Alberti's sentencing for the restitution or payment of the sum estimated by the Florentine magistrates.