LEONARDO DA VINCI 1452-1519

Andrea del VERROCCHIO Florence, about 1435–Venice, 1488 Study of a Head Black chalk heightened with white, pricked outlines About 1470–1475 The few drawings attributed to Verrocchio include studies of heads drawn in black chalk with subtle stumping, foreshadowing Leonardo’s sfumato – the blurring of edges to create soft transitions from light to shade. This technique gives a particular relief to the face and brings the expression to life.The contours of the face were pricked for transfer to another support – probably a painting that has not yet been identified. Kupferstichkabinett, Berlin, KDZ 5095 recto Andrea del Verrocchio (?) Florence, about 1435–Venice, 1488 Publius Cornelius Scipio Marble About 1464–1469 This low-relief marble sculpture by Verrocchio was inspired by models by the Florentine sculptor Desiderio da Settignano. It shows the profile of Scipio, the Roman general who defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 BC. Wearing a helmet and armour, the handsome young hero embodies the qualities of strength and piety attributed to him by ancient sources. Leonardo also tried his hand at classical-style profile portraits of this kind. Department of Sculptures, Musée du Louvre, Paris, RF 1347 0 21 0 22

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