Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 1.djvu/183

Rh before bis death, which occurred in 1312; and this he now placed in the work, armed, as was the custom of those times. Guido is followed by a troop of soldiers, also armed in the ancient manner, and presenting a very fine spectacle. The Constable himself is kneeling before an image of the Virgin holding the Child, and seems to be recommended to her favour by San Domenico and Santa Agnese, who stand one on each side of him. This picture can scarcely be called a very fine one, but is nevertheless worthy of some consideration, as well for the design and invention of Buffalmacco, as for the variety of vestments, helmets, and other armour used in those times; and from which I have myself derived great assistance in certain historical paintings, executed for our lord the Duke Cosmo, wherein it was necessary to represent men armed in the ancient manner, with other accessories belonging to the same period: and his illustrious excellency, as well as all else who have seen these works, have been greatly pleased with them; whence we may infer the valuable assistance to be obtained from the inventions and performances of these old masters, and the mode in which great advantage may be derived from them, even though they may not be altogether perfect; for it is these artists who have opened the path to us, and led the way to all the wonders performed down to the present time, and still performing even in these our days.

While Bruno was occupied with this work, there came a countryman to Buonamico, desiring him to paint a San Cristofano, respecting which they made their agreement in Florence; and the contract was on this wise:—the figure was to be twelve braccia high, and the price eight florins. But wdien Buffalmacco proceeded to look at the church for which it was required, he found the building to be but nine braccia high, and the same in length. He was thus unable to place his work in a good position, either within the edifice or without, and determined, as he could not paint San Cristofano upright, to make him lying down within the church. But even in this way he had not room for the whole length; wherefore he bent the legs at the knees, and turned them up against the opposite wall. The work was finished, but the countryman would by no means pay for it, declaring that he had been cheated. Whereupon the matter was referred to