Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 1.djvu/382

368 and angels, who are singing. On the opposite fold of the door, and at the same height with the last mentioned compartment, is one presenting a continuation of the story, and exhibiting the arrival of the Magi, with their adoration of Christ, to whom they offer tribute; their court and servants are also shown following them, with horses and other accessories, all displaying infinite ability. Next to this is Christ disputing with the Doctors in the Temple; and here the admiring attention with which the doctors are listening to Christ is very finely expressed, as is the joy of Mary and Joseph at finding him. Above these there follows (to commence with that over the Annunciation), the Baptism of Christ, by John, in the river Jordan; and here the reverence of the one is as clearly expressed as is the faith of the other. Beside this is the Temptation of Christ by the devil, who, terrified by the words of Jesus, stands before him in an attitude of abject fear; showing that he knows Christ to be the Son of God. Next to this, on the opposite fold, is the Saviour driving the money changers from the Temple, overturning their tables, and casting forth the animals for sacrifice, the doves, and other merchandize. In this picture the figures of the expelled traders falling over each other in their flight, are full of grace and beauty, giving proof of infinite judgment in the artist. Beside the Expulsion from the Temple is the Shipwreck of the Apostles, with St. Peter, who, having descended from the ship, is sinking in the waves, but is supported by Jesus. This story exhibits a rich variety in the different attitudes of the Apostles, who are labouring to save the ship; and the faith of St. Peter is made manifest by his proceeding to join Christ on the water. On the other leaf, and over the story of the Baptism, is that of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, wherein Lorenzo has shown, in the attitudes of the Apostles, how the eyes of mortals are dazzled by the sight of celestial glories; while the divinity of Christ is made obvious, as he holds his head aloft, and with extended arms appears between the figures of Moses and Elias. Beside this is the Resurrection of Lazarus from the dead: he issues from the sepulchre, and stands before the spectators with his hands and feet bound, to the infinite astonishment of all. Martha is present, with Mary Magdalene, who kisses the feet of the Saviour with the utmost reverence and hu-