Verrocchio, Andrea del, properly Andrea del Cione c.1435-c.1488
Italian artist

He was born in Florence and is best known as the master of Leonardo da Vinci. Although much of his work as goldsmith and sculptor has not survived, his bronze David (c.1476, Bargello, Florence) is a milestone in the treatment of the standing male figure by Renaissance artists. With that of Donatello it is one of a trio which culminates in the genius of Michelangelo's nude version. The equestrian monument to Bartolommeo Colleoni (1481-88) in Venice shows Verrochio to be as capable of monumental public work of this kind as Donatello. Very little of his painting remains, but his Baptism (c.1470, Uffizi, Florence) is a good indicator of his naturalism, ability to create the illusion of space, and superb draughtmanship. According to Giorgio Vasari, the head of one of the angels is by da Vinci.

Bibliography: Maud Cruttwell, Verrocchio (1904)