"In time of peace, I believe I can equal any one in architecture, in constructing public and private buildings, and in conducting water from one place to another. I can execute sculpture, whether in marble, bronze, or terra-cotta, and in painting I can do as much as any other man, be he who he may. Further, I could engage to execute the bronze horse in eternal memory of your father and the illustrious house of Sforza. And if any of the above-mentioned things should appear to you impossible or impracticable, I am ready to make trial of them in your park, or in any other place that may please your Excellency, to whom I commend myself in profound humility."
According to Vasari, it was Leonardo's brilliant conversation and skill in playing the lute which first captivated Lodovico Sforza, but whether there be any truth in the statement or not, it is certain that the Moro quickly recognised the Florentine master's genius, and determined to keep him in his service. From him Leonardo received a salary of 2000 ducats (£4000), besides frequent gifts and rewards, and during the sixteen years that he spent at the Court of Milan, he found in Lodovico a genial patron and a generous and kindly friend. Many and varied were the demands on Leonardo's skill and invention during this period. Whether in the capacity of architect or engineer, sculptor or painter, his services were in constant request. There was, first of all, the equestrian statue, for which he made at least two models and an endless number of different designs. Unfortunately he could not satisfy himself, and at last even Lodovico began to lose patience and to wonder if the work would ever be completed. On the 23rd of April 1490, Leonardo made the following entry in his note-book:
