Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 1.djvu/347

Rh the guild had refused to Donato. Hereupon the dispute was referred by both sides to the latter, the syndics of the guild being fully persuaded, that, from sheer envy, Donato would estimate the work of Nanni at a much lower price than he had demanded for his own. But they had reckoned without their host; Donato adjudging to Nanni considerably more for his statue than he had required for it himself. The syndics would by no means abide by this decision, and assailed Donato with loud outcries, demanding to know wherefore he, who had offered to execute the work for a smaller sum, should estimate it so highly when performed by the hand of another, as to compel them to pay even more than was asked for it, “although thou knowest well, as we do also”, they continued, “that the work would have been much better, had it been done by thyself.” Donato replied, laughing, “this good man is not equal to me in our art, and it must have cost him much heavier labour to complete this work than I should have had to bestow on it; wherefore, if you are just men, as you appear to me, and desire to satisfy him for his pains, you are bound to pay him for the time he has expended.” The decision of Donato was finally suffered to prevail, both parties having promised to abide by it.

This statue has, upon the whole, a good attitude—the head is animated and graceful, the vestments are not stiff or hard, and are not badly arranged about the figure. In a niche beneath the St. Philip are, also in marble, and which were executed by Nanni for the guild of smiths, carpenters, and masons: these figures are in full relief, and it is said that when all were finished and detached from each other, the niche being likewise prepared, the sculptor found that with all his efforts he could get only three of his saints within it, he having made some of them in attitudes displaying the arms outstretched. Dismayed and despairing, Nanni betook himself to Donato, entreating him to give advice and aid by which this oversight and misfortune might in some manner be repaired. “If thou”, said Donato, smiling, “wilt give a supper to me and all my lads, I’ll answer for it that the saints shall all be got into the niche for thee, without further ado.” This Nanni promised very gladly, and Donato sent him away to Prato, to take certain measurements and transact other matters that should occupy him for a few days.