motive. The report of liis abilities did nevertheless become bruited abroad, and he received a commission from the Count —————— to paint a ceiling in tempera, with other pictures on various walls of a palace, all of which are esteemed to be very beautiful. He likewise painted the court-yard of the Signor —————— in chiaro-scuro, with certain loggie which are very rich in ornaments, and are well and finely done. For the Church of Sant’ Angelo which is near the Pescheria, in the city of Naples, Polidoro undertook a small picture in oil; in this work he depicted a figure of the Virgin, with various nude forms representing souls in purgatory; this also is held,to be exceedingly beautiful, but more for the design than the colouring. There are besides some other pictures, each of one figure only, by this master, in the chapel of the High Altar in the same church, and which are executed in a similar manner.
Finding his abilities to be but poorly appreciated in Naples, Polidoro determined to depart and leave people who made more account of a horse that could leap than of a master wdio could give life to the paintings depicted by his hands. Wherefore, embarking in one of the galleys which were proceeding to Messina, he repaired to that city. Here, findingmore sympathy and more regard, he set himself to work, and labouring without intermission, he acquired considerable skill and good practice even in the use of colours, producing numerous works, which are dispersed about in different places. He likewise gave a portion of his time to the study of architecture, and furnished proof of his ability by the construction of several buildings. When the Emperor Charles y. landed at Messina, on his return from his victories at Tunis, it was by Polidoro that the triumphal arches prepared to do him honour were erected, and the master thereby acquired much credit as well as a large reward.
But the longing desire to return to Rome which is always felt by those who have long lived there, when in other countries, was perpetually urging Polidoro to departure from Sicily; he therefore commenced a picture of Christ bearing his Cross, as the last work which he was to perform in that country; this he painted in oil with admirable manner and very agreeable colouring.[1] A crowd of persons are repre-
- ↑ That Polidoro had not distinguished himself as a colourist before his
