Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/161

Rh work Garganelli engaged to give Ercole four ducats per month, with his own expenses, and those of an assistant, supplying him, moreover, with all the colours required for the painting, to which Ercole set himself diligently, and which he completed in such a manner, that he greatly surpassed his master, not in the drawing only, hut in the colouring and invention also. In the first compartment, or, properly speaking, on the first wall, is the Crucifixion of Christ, depicted with much judgment; for, besides the figure of Christ himself,—there seen already dead,—the tumult caused by the Jews, who have thronged to behold the Messiah on the Cross, is represented most admirably. Among this crowd is an extraordinary variety of admirably executed heads, and it is obvious that Ercole laboured with infinite pains to make them all as different as possible one from another, so that they should not resemble each other in any manner. There are likewise certain figures bursting into tears of sorrow, which prove clearly how earnest were the efforts made by this artist to imitate nature. Very touching is the swooning of the Madonna likewise, and still more so is the aspect of the Maries, as they turn towards her with looks full of compassion; but almost beyond imagination is the expression of profound sorrow with which they regard what they best loved, lying dead before them, while they see themselves on the point of losing her whom, next to the Saviour himself, they hold most dear. Among other remarkable parts of this work is also a figure of Longinus, mounted on a meagre horse, which is foreshortened, and in admirable relief; his countenance betrays consciousness of the impiety which he has committed in piercing the side of Jesus, with the penitence which accompanies his enlightenment and conversion. The attitudes in which the Soldiers, who play for the vestment of Christ, are placed, are likewise remarkable, and the expression of their faces is appropriate, while their dresses are singular and fanciful. The Thieves, suspended each on his cross, are admirably depicted. Ercole delighted much in foreshortening, which, if it be well done, is certainly of excellent effect; and he has painted a Soldier in this work, seated on a Horse, which rears its fore feet into the air, and comes out in such a manner that it appears to be in full relief: the rider holds a Standard in his hand,