Atalante Migliorotti

Who is Atalante Migliorotti?

Atalante Migliorotti was an Italian Renaissance musician, instrument maker and assistant de Leonardo da Vinci.

He was born of an illegitimate relationship. After being a pupil of Leonardo, who taught him music, he moved to Milan in 1482 to accompany his master. That same year, Vinci painted his portrait, which is probably lost today.

In 1491, according to the wishes of Isabella d'Este, he sang the lead role in the opera on Orfeo presented at the carnival in Marmirolo. His skills as a luteplayer and lutemaker led in 1493, to Isabella d'Este commissioning a guitar and then in 1505 a lirone, or twelve-stringed lyre.

He was also employed as coordinator of construction of St. Peter's Basilica.