proposed to send into France, seeing that the first (that executed by Raphael, namely) had been destined for that country: the two masters commenced the work together accordingly, but discord soon afterwards arising, and having separated them, they divided the possessions which had belonged to Raphael, his drawings and all besides that he had left to them, when Giulio Romano departed, and repaired to Mantua. There he executed numerous works for the Marchese, and soon afterwards Giovan Francesco also arrived in that city, either attracted thither by his friendship for Giulio, or by the hope of being employed there. But he was received with so little affection by Giulio Romano, that he left Mantua immediately, and having first travelled through all Lombardy, then returned to Rome. From that city he next proceeded to Naples, in the galleys with the Marchese del Vasto, carrying with him the completed picture which had been intended for San Pietro-in-Montorio, with other works: these last were taken to Ischia, an island belonging to the Marchese, but the picture first mentioned was placed in the Church of the Santo Spirito, which belongs to the hospital of the Incurables at Naples, where it is still to be seen.[1]
Giovan Francesco then settled in Naples, where he was entertained in the most friendly manner by the Florentine merchant, Tommaso Campi, by whom the affairs of the Marchese were managed. But he did not long dwell in that city, for being of a delicate constitution, he fell sick and died there, to the great regret of the above-named Signor Marchese, and of all who had been acquainted with him.
This master had a brother called Luca, who was also a painter, and worked in Genoa with Perin del Vaga his brother-in-law. In Lucca also, and many other parts of Italy, this artist laboured, but subsequently went to England, where, having executed certain works for the king and for different merchants, he finally attached himself to the occupation of preparing designs for copper plates, which he caused to be engraved by Flemings: of these he sent considerable numbers to different parts, they are known not only by their manner but by his signature, which he inscribed on them.
- ↑ Bottari was of opinion that this picture had been sent into Spain; but even in his day nothing certain was known respecting it, nor can we now obtain any well authenticated information in regard to its fate.
