Measured Drawing of a Horse Facing Left (recto)

Andrea del Verrocchio

ca. 1480–88 · Pen and dark brown ink, over traces of black chalk · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Andrea del Verrocchio

Date

ca. 1480–88

Medium

Pen and dark brown ink, over traces of black chalk

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1917