having seen the picture at Monte Sansovino, and the works at Camaldoli, declared to the Florentine Don Filippo Serragli, Abbot of San Michele-in-Bosco, whom he met at Bologna, that as the Refectory of that distinguished Monastery was to be painted, it was his opinion that the work should be given to myself and no other. Wherefore, being summoned to Bologna, I undertook the execution of the same, although it was a matter of no small importance; but first I determined to examine all the most renowned paintings in that city, whether by the Bolognese or other artists.
The pictures at the upper end of this Refectory were divided into three compartments; in the first was to be represented Abraham preparing food for the Angels in the valley of Mamre; in the second, Christ in the house of Mary and Martha, declaring to the latter that Mary hath chosen the better part; and in the third, San Gregory at table with twelve poor men, among whom he perceives the Saviour Christ himself.[1] Thereupon, setting hand to the work, I represented in the last St. Gregory at table in a Monastery, served by the White Monks of his order, that being the wish of those Fathers. The Holy Pontiff, San Gregorio, presents the portrait of Pope Clement VII.; and among those of many ambassadors, princes, and other high personages who are standing around and beholding him, is the portrait of the Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, which I placed there in memory of the benefits and favours received by me at his hand, and in consideration of the family to which he belonged; there are also the portraits of many others of my friends. Among those who serve the poor at table, moreover, I depicted certain Monks of that Monastery who were mine intimates, with certain foreigners, of whose services I availed myself there. The Almoner and the Cellarer were of the number; and I likewise portrayed the Abbot Serraglio, the General Don Cipriano of Verona, and Bentivoglio. The vestments of the Pontiff were eopied from the real textures, velvets, damasks, and cloths of gold and silver, with silks, and such like; the service of plate for the table, the vases, with the decorations of animals and other object?of similar kind, I caused to be executed by Cristofano dal Borgo, as I have said in his Life.
- ↑ The first of these pictures is in Milan, the other two are in Bologna; they are accounted among Vasari’s best works. — Ed. Flor., 1832-8.
