The painting is believed to be a portrait of Franchino Gaffurio, a noted Italian music theorist and composer of the time, whose influence extended to the court of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, where Leonardo da Vinci was also active. The exact date is not known, but it is estimated to have been painted around 1485 during Leonardo da Vinci's Milanese period. The attribution to Leonardo has been debated over the years, but many art historians believe it to be his work. The painting features a three-quarter view of the musician, seated against a dark background. The subject is portrayed wearing a dark robe with intricate patterns, and he holds a musical score in his hands. The details of the face, including the intense gaze and the rendering of the hands, showcase Leonardo's mastery in capturing the nuances of human expression and anatomy. Leonardo's meticulous attention to detail and his skilful rendering of light and shadow are evident. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark, is characteristic of Leonardo's style. The careful depiction of the subject's features and the intricate patterns on the clothing showcase the artist's technical prowess. The painting has a complex history of ownership and was part of various collections over the centuries. It is now housed in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, which also houses other significant works by Leonardo da Vinci.