Our Lady between those of two Prophets. On the façade of Signor Bernardo Scacalarozzo likewise, this artist painted four colossal figures in imitation of bronze, which are tolerably well done.[1] There are, besides, other works by his hand in Milan, all of which have procured him considerable praise, seeing that he appeared in that city as the first light of a good manner in painting, and was the cause of Bramante’s having become so excellent as he did in architecture, the first things studied by Bramante having been the designs of Bramantino.[2] It was after his design moreover,[3] that the church of San Satiro was erected, and that church pleases me exceedingly, seeing that it is a very beautiful production, richly adorned with decorations of columns, double corridors, and other ornaments, both within and without, to say nothing of the most beautiful sacristy, where there is a large number of statues.
But that which is here most of all worthy of praise, is the central tribune, the beauty of which caused Bernardino da Trevio,[4] as we have already related in the Life of Bramante,[5]
- ↑ This façade was painted by the architect Bramante.—Ibid.
- ↑ This is not the fact, as the admirers of Bramante are careful to affirm, sometimes with less of courtesy than energy. When Bramante went to Milan he was well versed in the branch of his art here in question.
- ↑ The text would make it appear that Bramantino was here meant, whereas the master really intended by this “whose” is Bramante. A slight looseness of expression is not unusual with our excellent Giorgo, this must needs be admitted; his reader has now and then to fish awhile for his meaning, and that not unfrequently in sufficiently troubled Avaters, but if he be not always precise in expression, never shall he be found otherwise than upright of intention; and judge ye the whether, O reader of our hearts! Besides, hath he not himself told us that his hand was ever more familiar with the pencil than the pen? and if he be not the Martinet of phrases that your ultra-delicate ear demands, what right have we to quarrel with him for not being what he has warned us he does not propose to be? Let us give him peace rather, and accept what he has done, which is so much, rather than cavil at what he has omitted, seeing that this last is indeed so little. Vale, oh excellent reader.
- ↑ Bernardino Zanale of Treviglio. This artist wrote a Treatise on the Laws of Perspective and the Proportions of the Human Form, which was completed in the year 1524. Specimens of his manner are to be seen in the Sacristy of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and in the Brera at Milan. He was invited to Bergamo in 1525, and died in the following year. See Passavant, Kunstblatt for 1838, p. 266.
- ↑ For this Life, see vol. ii. p. 426, et sec.
his family into that of the Lattuanti. —De Pagave, Sienese Edition of Vasari.
