Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/164

156 He left behind him his disciple Guido of Bologna, by whom a Crucifixion in fresco was painted in the year 1491, under the portico of San Piero in Bologna, as may be seen from his name, which he inscribed on the work. In this picture are the Maries, the Thieves, Horses, and other figures, all tolerably well done; and as Guido earnestly desired to be esteemed in his native city, as his master had been, he studied so zealously, and subjected himself to so many hardships, that he died in the thirty-fifth year of his age. Had this painter begun to acquire the art«in his childhood, instead of in his eighteenth year as he did, he would not only have equalled his master without difficulty, but would even have surpassed him by very much. In our book there are some very good drawings by Ercole and Guido, executed with much grace and in a very good manner.

When zealous efforts are supported by talent and rectitude, though the beginning may appear lowly and poor, yet do they proceed constantly upward by gradual steps, never ceasing nor taking rest until they have finally attained the summit of distinction, as may be clearly seen in the poor and humble commencement of the Bellini family, and in the elevation to which it attained by the devotion of its founders to the art of painting.

The Venetian artist, Jacopo Bellini, was a disciple of Gentile da Fabriano, and a rival of that Domenico who taught the method of painting in oil to Andrea dal Castagno;