Verrocchio: Sculptor and Painter of Renaissance Florence

Andrea del Verrocchio was a versatile and inventive Italian Renaissance artist who created art across media, including sculptures, paintings, goldsmithing, architecture, and engineering. He led a vibrant workshop where he taught young artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Lorenzo di Credi, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. This book presents a comprehensive survey of his art, featuring fifty sculptures, paintings, and drawings, and draws on the latest research to show why he was one of the most innovative and influential Florentine artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Introduction:

Andrea del Verrocchio (c. 1435–1488) was a remarkable artist and teacher who played a pivotal role in the Italian Renaissance. He was a true polymath, excelling in various artistic mediums, including sculpture, painting, goldsmithing, architecture, and engineering. His exceptional talent and creativity made him one of the most versatile and inventive artists of his time.

Versatility and Invention:

Verrocchio's artistic prowess was evident in his wide range of artistic creations. He produced stunning sculptures that showcased his mastery of form and detail. His paintings, characterized by their expressive and confident style, provided a unique bridge between sculpture and painting. Additionally, he worked in goldsmithing, creating intricate and beautiful jewelry and decorative objects. His architectural skills were also evident in his design of buildings and structures.

Expressive Drawings:

One of the most remarkable aspects of Verrocchio's art was his expressive and confident drawings. These drawings served as a key point of contact between sculpture and painting, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in two-dimensional form. His drawings were characterized by their lifelike quality and their ability to convey emotion and movement.

Workshop and Teaching:

Verrocchio ran a vibrant workshop where he taught young artists who later became some of the greatest painters of the period. His students included Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Lorenzo di Credi, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Verrocchio's teaching methods were highly influential, and he emphasized the importance of technical skill, attention to detail, and the study of human anatomy.

Comprehensive Survey:

This beautifully illustrated book presents a comprehensive survey of Verrocchio's art, spanning his entire career. It features fifty sculptures, paintings, and drawings, in addition to works he created with his students. The book is accompanied by incisive scholarly essays, in-depth catalog entries, and breathtaking illustrations that draw on the latest research in art history.

Influence and Legacy:

Verrocchio's influence on the art world was profound. His innovative techniques and his ability to blend different artistic mediums set him apart from his contemporaries. His sculptures and paintings continue to be celebrated for their beauty, complexity, and emotional impact. His students, who he taught the art of painting, went on to create some of the most famous works of art in history.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Andrea del Verrocchio was a truly remarkable artist and teacher who left an indelible mark on the Italian Renaissance. His versatility, invention, expressive drawings, workshop, and teaching methods continue to inspire and influence artists today. This comprehensive survey of his art provides a valuable insight into his life and work, and it is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Dimension: 298 x 235 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691233086