Da Vinci is notable for his quotation, "Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master." To whom was he referring when he said this?

Question

Da Vinci is notable for his quotation, "Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master." To whom was he referring when he said this?

Question #105714. Asked by jimmycarlos.
Last updated Sep 01 2016.

raidersruleall

Answer has 8 votes

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raidersruleall

15 year member
114 replies avatar

Answer has 8 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

He is referring to his painting of Madonna Cecilia Gallerani. The painting did not show as much "life" as his original sketch. The full quote is: "Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master, poorer is the painting which does not
excel the sketch!"

http://www.archive.org/stream/admirablepainter00andeuoft/admirablepainter00andeuoft_djvu.txt

May 20 2009, 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Datsmeharse
Answer has 4 votes

Datsmeharse
15 year member
855 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Raiders' link is very interesting!

I had thought that in strictest terms he was referring to himself as the pupil; his Master being Andrea Del Verrochio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_del_Verrocchio#Painting

Response last updated by CmdrK on Sep 01 2016.
May 20 2009, 10:53 AM