are enclosed within a richly decorated frame-work of walnut wood, and contain many beautiful and animated figures.[1] In Casa Pucci, likewise, Sandro painted Boccaccio’s Novella, of Nastagio degli Onesti, in four compartments: the figures are small, but the work is very graceful and beautiful.[2] He also depicted an Adoration of the Magi[3] in the same place. For the Monks of Cestello this master painted a picture of the Annunciation[4] in one of their chapels, and in the church of San Pietro he executed one for Matteo Palmieri, with a very large number of figures. The subject of this work, which is near the side-door, is the Assumption of Our Lady, and the zones or circles of heaven are there painted in their order. The Patriarchs, the Prophets, the Apostles, the Evangelists, the Martyrs, the Confessors, the Doctors, the Virgins, and the Hierarchies: all which was executed by Sandro according to the design furnished to him by Matteo, who was a very learned and able man. The whole work was conducted and finished with the most admirable skill and care: at the foot of it was the portrait of Matteo kneeling, with that of his wife. But although this picture is exceedingly beautiful and ought to have put envy to shame, yet there were found certain malevolent and censorious persons who, not being able to afiix any other blame to the work, declared that Matteo and Sandro had erred gravely in that matter, and had fallen into grievous heresy.[5]
Now, whether this be true or not, let none expect the judgment of that question from me: it shall suffice me to note that the figures executed by Sandro in that work are entirely worthy of praise, and that the pains he took in depicting those circles of the heavens must have been very
- ↑ The place wherein the pictures of the Vespucci Palace may now be found is not known.— Ed. Flor., 1832-8.
- ↑ These four pictures are still preserved in Casa Pucci, Ed. Flor., 1846-9.
- ↑ Of this work no authentic information can be obtained.
- ↑ This church is now called Santa Maddalena de’Pazzi, and some writers affirm that the Annunciation here alluded to is still there; but later authorities declare the picture thus attributed to Botticelli to be executed by a much inferior hand; the frame-work only being that of his work. The painting itself they declare to have disappeared.
- ↑ Richa, Chiese Florentine, gives a circumstantial account of the event here alluded to, the consequence of which was, that the altar was interdicted, and the picture covered from view. — Ed. Flor., 1832-8.
