Leonardo Davinci and gender roles

The most famous portrait known to man is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Davinci. The question remains unsolved as to whether Leonardo used his own features on the painting, and furthermore if this was a painting technique (or tactic) or if this had any deeper meaning.

Gender seems to have been a very central issue in Leonardo's work in general - (it is no coincidence that Dan Brown also developed his story around all-important gender depictions in the last "supper".

Speculation over Leonardo da Vinci's actual sexuality began when he was 24 years old after his arrest on charges of sodomy, a serious crime in 15th century Florence. No witnesses appeared to support allegations da Vinci had sexual relations with a seventeen-year-old male model, thus the charges were dropped.

Gay heroes.com offers an interesting analysis and view on the subject pointing out that.. "Renaissance Florentines didn't make the distinctions we make about sexuality today and apparently it was common for young men to get into sexual relationships; in fact, the word "Florenzer" was German slang for "homosexual"".

I personally agree with "Ramone Johnson" from about.com who says, "Today, we are left with mere speculation as to the same-gender-loving feelings Leonardo da Vinci may have expressed in his personal life and his art. Regardless of his sexuality, Leonardo da Vinci should be (and is) remembered as the most influential Renaissance artists in our history."