The Modenese sculpcor Prospero Clemente[1] has, in like manner, ever been and still continues to be an exceedingly able master in his vocation. There are proofs of his ability in the Cathedral of Reggio, where the tomb of the Bishop Rangone is by his hand. In this work there is a seated statue of the above-named prelate with two children, all admirably well done. The commission for this tomb was received by Clementi from the Signor Ercole Rangone. In the Cathedral of Parma likewise, there is a tomb by Prospero Clemente; the sepulchral monument of the Beato Bernardo degli Uberti namely, a Florentine, who became a cardinal and was bishop of that city. This undertaking Clemente completed in the year 1548, and very much has his work been extolled.[2]
In Parma, likewise, there have been at divers times many excellent artists and men of fine genius, as we have said elsewhere. There is an admirable picture in the cathedral, for example, which was painted in the year 1499, by the Parmesan artist Cristofano Castelli. Of Francesco Mazzuoli[3] we have already written the life, and there have been many other men of distinguished ability in that city. But respecting Mazzuoli, we have before mentioned that he commenced certain works in the Madonna della Steccata, which at his death were left unfinished, when Giulio Romano, having prepared a coloured design on paper, which may still be seen in that place by every one, commanded that a certain Michelagnolo Anselmi, who was by his birth a
- ↑ The Padre Luigi Pungileoni shows that Prospero Spani, called Clemente, was a native of Reggio; see the Giornale Arcadico, November and December, 1831, p. 344: but Bottarihad previously affirmed as much in the Roman Edition of our author, and his assertion has since been further supported by documents which the Cav. Francesco Fontanesi brought forward in a Discorso published at Reggio in 1826.
- ↑ For details respecting this artist’s works, see Monumenti di Pittura e Scultura trascelti in Mantova, Mantua, 1827. See also Memorie sopra Prosper Clementi Scultore Reggiano, in the Giornale Arcadico for 1831.
- ↑ For the Life of Mazzuoli, called Parmigiano, see vol. iii. of the present work, p. 356, et seq. The reader may also consult the Padre Ireneo Affò, Vita del Graziosissimo Pittore, Francesco Mazzola detto il Parmigiano, with Sketches of the Lives of Correggio and Parmigiano, London, 1823.
