Bust of Lorenzo de' Medici - VERROCCHIO, Andrea del - WGA
Bust of Lorenzo de' Medici by VERROCCHIO, Andrea del
Bust of Lorenzo de' Medici by VERROCCHIO, Andrea del

Bust of Lorenzo de' Medici

by VERROCCHIO, Andrea del, Painted terracotta, height 66 cm

This bust was made possibly about 1513-20 after a model by Verrocchio.

Lorenzo de’ Medici, the brilliant, learned, and ruthless head of a wealthy banking family, ruled the Italian city-state of Florence in the Renaissance. This bust may copy a wax statue made to commemorate Lorenzo’s survival in 1478, when an assassination plot took the life of his younger brother. The simple costume, with a distinctively Florentine padded and draped headdress, reflects Lorenzo’s claim to be merely a respected citizen rather than a de facto prince.

Cleaning in recent years (completed 2006) has brought out the original bright reds, warm flesh tones, and a light beard. The brooding face suggests the forceful intelligence behind Lorenzo’s power. This haunting likeness may have been molded from his death mask.

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