Andrea del Verrocchio

Born in Florence around 1435, he took the name Verrocchio from his goldsmith master. He was a multi-talented sculptor, painter, and goldsmith who led a major Renaissance workshop.¹

His bronze David depicts a modest youth, contrasting with Donatello's version. It is purported that the young Leonardo da Vinci, then a new apprentice, served as the model.¹

He enjoyed the patronage of Piero and Lorenzo de' Medici, executing many important works for them, including the Medici monuments in San Lorenzo and the bronze David.¹

The golden sphere atop Florence Cathedral's dome is a masterpiece of his goldsmithing. Made of hammered and soldered copper sheets, it was completed and installed in 1471.¹

In 'The Baptism of Christ', his pupil Leonardo da Vinci painted the angel on the left. Vasari claimed Verrocchio resolved never to paint again after being surpassed by his student.¹

In 'Christ and St. Thomas', he solved the challenge of placing two life-sized figures in a niche designed for one. This ingenious solution has been acclaimed as a masterpiece since its unveiling.¹

In his later years, he won the commission for the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni in Venice using a wood and leather model, creating a dynamic masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.¹

He died in Venice in 1488 before the Colleoni statue was finished. He left his Florentine workshop to his pupil Lorenzo di Credi, ensuring his artistic legacy continued.¹