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Measured Drawing of a Horse Facing Left (recto)

ca. 1480–88
Not on view
This drawing is a remarkable example of the Renaissance preoccupation with ideal proportions, as seen in the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, Verrocchio’s most famous pupil. Verrocchio began this drawing by making a semi-stylized outline of the subject. He then further schematized the body by dividing it up and inscribing it with detailed measurements. The precision of the measurements supports the idea that this study was related to the bronze equestrian statue for Bartolomeo Colleoni— a commission Verrocchio won in a competition announced by the Republic of Venice in 1479 and was awarded in 1483.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Measured Drawing of a Horse Facing Left (recto)
  • Artist: Andrea del Verrocchio (Italian, Florence 1435–1488 Venice)
  • Date: ca. 1480–88
  • Medium: Pen and dark brown ink, over traces of black chalk
  • Dimensions: Overall: 9 13/16 x 11 11/16 in. (24.9 x 29.7 cm) maximum
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 19.76.5
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Lady holding a bunch of flowers to her breast, Andrea del Verrocchio Italian, Plaster and stucco, polychromed and gilt, Italian, Florence
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Virgin and Child, Andrea del Verrocchio Italian, Terracotta, painted and partially gilt, Italian
Virgin and Child
Andrea del Verrocchio
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Reclining putto, Andrea del Verrocchio Italian, Bronze, Italian, Florence
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Andrea del Verrocchio
probably 19th century
Madonna and Child, Andrea del Verrocchio Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
Madonna and Child
Andrea del Verrocchio
ca. 1470
Lucretia, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) Italian, Pen and brown ink over black chalk, partially incised with a stylus (recto); rubbed with black chalk for transfer (verso)
Lucretia
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)
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