such as thou art, and that to thy serious discomfort; make thyself sure of it.’’[1]
Thus spoke Madonna Margherita, wife of Pier-Francesco Borgherini, and daughter of Ruberto Acciaiuoli, a Florentine noble of great wisdom. She was in truth a woman entirely worthy to be the daughter of such a father; and by her noble daring and firmness of spirit she caused these gems of art to be respected, and kept them, where they still remain, to adorn the dwellings of her house.
About this same time Giovan-Maria Benintendi had decorated an antechamber in his palace with numerous paintings by the hands of divers able masters, and, hearing Jacopo da Puntormo extolled to infinity for the works which he had executed in the rooms of Borgherini, Giovan-Maria determined to add a painting by that artist to those he already possessed. The subject chosen for the picture was an Adoration of the Magi, who presented themselves to the Infant Christ in Bethlehem; and, having given much thought and care to the work, the master succeeded in rendering it varied and beautiful in the heads, as well as worthy of all praise in every other part.
He afterwards painted a picture for Messer Goro da Pistoja, who was then secretary to the Medici, a half-length portrait namely of the illustrious Cosimo de’ Medici the elder;[2] this is a truly commendable work, and is now in the house of Messer Ottaviano de’ Medici, and in possession of Messer Alessandro his heir, a young man, who, to say nothing of the nobility and distinction of his race, is,remarkable for the propriety of his life, as well as honourable for his love of literature; he is the worthy son, in short, of the
- ↑ “The deportment of this incomparable woman,” exclaims an admiring compatriot of the eloquent dame above described, the Madonna Margherita, “might put to shame the numbers who since those days have made merchandize for the stranger of so many precious objects, the glory of their family and their country, despoiling their houses, not as compelled by necessity, but for the gratification of an absurd vanity; the supply of a frivolous and most ridiculous extravagance.” Alas, my sisters, can it be that the most commendable acquisition of our jewels and laces, is that which is thus irreverently designated by this profane? Alas, my sisters!
- ↑ The portrait of Cosimo Pater Patrice, here in question, is now in the Florentine Gallery before-mentioned; it has been admirably engraved by Antonio Perfetti, and is given in outline in the Galleria, &c., cited above.
