Other authorities consider not only that Verrocchio painted the whole picture himself but that he painted also the Annunciation at the Uffizi to which Leonardo's name is given.

Be that as it may--and we shall never know--this is a beautiful thing.

According to Vasari it was the excellence of Leonardo's contribution which decided Verrocchio to give up the brush.

Among the thoughts of Leonardo is one which comes to mind with peculiar force before this work when we know its story: "Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master".
The second Sala di Botticelli has not the value of the first.

It has magnificent examples of Botticelli's sacred work, but the other pictures are not the equal of those in the other rooms.