patched him thither accordingly, when he executed numerous works in sculpture and architecture for that monarch, more particularly a most beautiful palace, having four towers; with many other edifices. One part of the above-mentioned palace was painted also from Cartoons designed and prepared by the hand of this architect, who drew admirably well, as may be seen in our book of designs, wherein there are some drawings by Andrea, which are finished with the point of charcoal; we have besides, in our possession certain architectural studies, which are of great merit.
This master likewise executed an altar carved in wood for the same king, the decorations being figures of the Prophets, he also prepared a battle-piece in clay which was ultimately to be executed in marble, representing events from the wars which the Portuguese sovereign had waged with the Moors, and wherein he had conquered them. Never did a work of greater spirit or of more extraordinary force proceed from the hands of Sansovino than is exhibited in this battle, whether we consider the various movements and attitudes of the horses, the carnage intimated by the number of the dead, or the wild fury of the soldiers who are still engaged in deadly combat; all are indeed most admirable. He executed a marble figure of San Marco likewise, which was also considered to be a work of remarkable excellence.
While in the service of the king of Portugal, Andrea produced several fanciful and difficult architectural works in the manner peculiar to that country, and to do pleasure to that sovereign; of these things I formerly saw a book at Monte Sansovino, in the possession of Andrea’s heirs, and it is said to be now in the hands of Maestro Girolamo Lombardo, who was the disciple of our artist, and by whom, as we shall relate hereafter, some of the works left incomplete by Andrea were subsequently finished.
When this master had been nine years in Portugal,[1] his servitude in that country became distasteful to him, he desired to see once more the kinsfolk and friends whom he had left in Tuscany; and having got together a fair sum of money, he determined, with the good leave and favour of the king, to return to his own land. Having obtained his dis-
- ↑ During the reigns of John II. and Emanuel, that is to say.—Ed. Flor. 1832-3.
