Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/573

 The Italian Cities and the Renaissance 537 the further obligation to him of having taught us by his life in what manner we should comport ourselves toward great men, as well as toward those of lesser degree, and even toward the lowest ; nay, there was among his many extraor- dinary gifts one of such value and importance that I can never sufficiently admire it and always think thereof with astonishment. This was the power accorded to him by heaven, of bring- ing all who approached his presence into harmony, an effect inconceivably surprising in our calling, and contrary to the nature of our artists. Yet all, I do not say of the inferior grades only, but even those who lay claim to be great per- sonages (and of this humor our art produces immense num- bers) became as of one mind, once they began to labor in the society of Raphael, continuing in such unity and con- cord that all harsh feelings and evil dispositions became subdued and disappeared at the sight of him ; every vile and base thought departing from the mind before his influence. Such harmony prevailed at no other time than his own. And this happened because all were surpassed by him in friendly courtesy as well as in art ; all confessed the influ- ence of his sweet and gracious nature, which was so replete with excellence and so perfect in all the charities, that not only was he honored by men but even by the very animals, who would constantly follow his steps and always loved him. Several of Michael Angelo's greatest works were un- 229. Michael dertaken at the order of Pope Julius II (d. 1512), who ^e^pw* had the highest appreciation of his genius. But the Hischarac- independence of the artist and the irascible temper ideals, of the pontiff occasioned numerous quarrels between ^JJJj fg them, which invariably resulted in fresh favors from the Lives of the ... ., . , , Painters.) pope. After one of these reconciliations, which took place in Bologna, Julius had ordered a bronze statue of himself to be placed over one of the city gates.