Family:
* Father: Piero da Vinci, a notary, was his primary paternal figure. He was married but had an extramarital relationship with Caterina, Leonardo's mother.
* Mother: Caterina was a peasant woman, and her fate after Leonardo's birth is unknown.
* Siblings: Leonardo had several half-siblings from his father's marriage, but he didn't have a particularly close relationship with them.
Romantic Relationships:
* Salai: His apprentice and assistant, Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, nicknamed "Salai," was a significant figure in Leonardo's life. The nature of their relationship is debated, with some speculating a romantic connection, possibly even homosexual, based on letters and writings. However, this remains unproven.
* Other potential lovers: There are suggestions of other possible romantic relationships in his life, but without strong evidence, they remain conjecture.
Friendships and Mentors:
* Verrocchio: Leonardo's master and mentor, Andrea del Verrocchio, significantly influenced his artistic development.
* Sforza Family: Leonardo had a professional and possibly personal relationship with the Sforza family, particularly Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, for whom he worked as a court artist and engineer.
* Other Artists and Intellectuals: Leonardo is documented to have interacted with other artists and intellectuals of his time, including Sandro Botticelli, Bramante, and Donato Bramante.
Important to Note:
* Homosexuality in Renaissance Italy: While evidence suggests Leonardo might have been attracted to men, proving a definitively homosexual relationship is difficult given the social context of the Renaissance.
* Lack of Personal Documentation: Unlike many artists, Leonardo didn't leave behind personal journals or letters that would give us a clear picture of his relationships. Much of our knowledge comes from secondary sources, often biased or incomplete.
In conclusion, while we know some facts about Leonardo da Vinci's relationships, much remains speculative. The nature and depth of his connections are still debated by historians, and his personal life continues to fascinate and intrigue.