Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 1.djvu/487

Rh lumn of granite, standing entirely apart, there is a figure of Plenty, by Donato, in the stone called macigno forte, which is so well done, that it has always been field in the highest estimation by artists and all men of judgment in matters of art. The column on which this figure stands was formerly in San Giovanni, where the remaining columns of granite which sustain the inner cornice are still in their places; the one in question was taken away and a fluted column was placed in its stead, on which there once stood a statue of Mars, erected in the centre of the temple; but this last was removed, when the Florentines were converted to the faith of Jesus Christ. The same master, while still very young, executed a figure of the prophet Daniel, in marble, for the façade of Santa Maria del Fiore; and at a later period he produced one of San Giovanni Evangelista seated; this figure is four braccia high, it is clothed in very simple vestments, and is much celebrated. In the same place, at an angle of the building, on that side which faces the Via del Cocomero, is the figure of an old man, between two columns, which is executed more in the manner of the ancients, than is to be remarked in any other work by Donato; the head of this statue bearing the impress of the thoughts and cares which length of years bring to those who are exhausted by time and labour. Donato likewise executed for the same church the decorations of the organ, which stands over the door of the old sacristy, where are those figures, so boldly