monks, to whom San Giorgio was given in exchange. Moreover they (Cosimo and Lorenzo de’ Medici), being much devoted to religion, and zealous for the Divine service and worship, gave orders that the above-named convent of San Marco should be entirely rebuilt according to the design and model of Michelozzo, commanding that it should be constructed on the most extensive and magnificent scale, with all the conveniences that those monks could possibly desire. This building the master commenced in the year 1437, and the first part completed was that above the old refectory and opposite to the ducal stables, which had formerly been erected by the Duke Lorenzo de’ Medici. In this place twenty cells were made, the roof was put on, and the various articles of wood work brought into the refectory, which was finished as we see it in our day.[1] But the edifice was not proceeded with any further at that time, because it was necessary first to see what would be the end of a lawsuit, which a certain Maestro Stefano, general of the aforesaid Salvestrine monks, had commenced against the monks of San Marco in relation to that convent.[2] At length, the suit having ended in favour of the brothers of San Marco, the construction of the convent was resumed; but it was again interrupted, for the principal chapel, which had been erected by Ser Pino Bonaccorsi, had afterwards devolved on a lady of the Caponsacchi[3] family, and from her it had passed to Mariotto Banchi. Lawsuits to I know not what amount then ensued; and Mariotto having got through them all, and taken the said chapel from Agnolo della Casa to whom it had been either
- ↑ The reader who may desire minute details respecting this building, is referred to Gaye, Carteggio inediio di Artisti, for the various dates, etc., and to the Annal. Conv. Sancti Marci de Florentia, for the more extended history of the building and its inhabitants.
- ↑ See the Annal. Conv. Sancti Marci, ut supra.
- ↑ The lady of the Caponsacchi family, here referred to, was the
daughter of Ser Pino; and it was by her, and not by her father, that the
chapel was founded, as was shewn by an inscription given by Richa, in
his Notizie istoriche, etc.; as also by Bottari, in a note on this passage. It
was found on a column of the old chapel (which was removed when the
new chapel was built) and was as follows:—
“Hanc capellam fecit fieri Domina Prancisca uxor olim Banchi de Caponsacchis pro remedio animm patris sui Ser Pini Bonaccorsi et filiorum ejus Michaelis, Joannis et Philippi. Anno Domini mdxli, mensa Julii.”
