Study for the Equestrian Monument to Francesco Sforza 1480 - 1487

This pen-and-ink drawing by Antonio Pollaiuolo, "Study for the Equestrian Monument to Francesco Sforza," was created between 1480 and 1487. The drawing depicts a study for a monumental bronze sculpture commissioned by the Sforza family of Milan. The composition highlights the dynamism of the horse and rider, with the figure of Francesco Sforza seated on the horse and a fallen figure lying in the foreground. The drawing demonstrates Pollaiuolo's interest in anatomical detail and his mastery of depicting movement in a dramatic and compelling manner. The artist's attention to anatomical precision is clearly evident in the depiction of the horse's musculature and the figure's pose. The drawing is a testament to the artist's skill and vision, and offers a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most significant monuments of the Italian Renaissance.