Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio

Boltraffio was the main pupil of Leonardo in Milan. He was first recorded in Leonardo's studio in 1491. Although some of his works are closely based on Leonardo's designs, like Luini, Boltraffio also developed in new ways ideas which originated with Leonardo.

By 1498 Boltraffio had established an independent practice, producing altarpieces, portraits and small devotional paintings. His first documented work is of 1502. Unlike other associates of Leonardo, such as Ambrogio Preda, Boltraffio possessed a breadth of design which corresponded with developments taking place elsewhere in Italy in the early 16th century.