Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/133

Rh cuted a fine statue in metal, representing tlie undraped figure of Christ holding the cross in his hand: it is of the size of life, and was destined for the chapel of the Sienese painters in the great hospital of the Scala; this work, which was cast with great good fortune, was finished by Lorenzo with equal love and diligence. In the pilgrims’ lodging of the same hospital Lorenzo painted an historical picture; and over the door of San Giovanni is an arch decorated with figures in fresco, also by this master The baptismal font not being completed, he executed certain small figures of bronze for that work, finishing in like manner a relief, also in bronze, which had formerly been commenced by Donatello. Jacopo della Fonte had likewise executed two stories in bronze for the same work, and the manner of these was imitated by Lorenzo as closely as was possible. It was from his hand that the baptismal font received its ultimate completion, by the addition to it of certain figures in bronze, formerly cast by Donato, but entirely finished by Lorenzo, and which are considered extremely beautiful.

For the Loggia used by the officials of the bank, Lorenzo executed figures of St. Peter and St. Paul, in marble; they are of the size of life, have much grace, and are finished with great ability. This master completed the works undertaken by him in such a manner, that he merits to be as honourably remembered after his death as he was highly commended while living. He was a man of melancholy temperament, solitary in his habits, and perpetually sunk in contemplation. This was perhaps the cause wherefore he lived no longer, seeing that when he had reached his thirtyeighth year, he passed to another life. His works were executed about the year 1482.