Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/187

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And whoever has found means to distinguish himself beyond others in the preparation of such things, not only raises himself above the anxieties of life, but is, moreover, highly commended and prized by all, as was the case in the time of our fathers with the Florentine Cecca. In the course of his life there came into the hands of this master many and various important works, in all which he acquitted himself so well, labouring in the service of his country with frugality and care, to the great satisfaction of his fellow citizens, that he obtained favour with all; and his ingenious and diligently-executed works have rendered him famous, placing his name among those of other great and renowned artists. It is said that in his youth, Cecca was an excellent joiner, but had constantly directed his thoughts towards the mastery of difficult questions relating to the construction of engines of all kinds, more particularly of such as are required in the field of battle or in sieges; as, for example, scaling ladders, battering rams, or erections for giving shelter to the soldier against the enemy, with whatever might serve to injure the adversary, or to afibrd assistance to his friends. He was thus most essentially serviceable to his country, and well deserved the fixed provision which the Signoria of Florence commanded to be made for him. Therefore, when the state was not at war, Cecca went throughout the whole, inspecting the fortresses and city walls, with the different towers, &c.; and when any were found wanting, he supplied the various defences required, or whatever else was needful.

It has been said that the imitation of clouds, used on the festival of San Giovanni and borne in procession, was the invention of Cecca; certainly a most ingenious and beautiful thing, which at that time, when the city was in the habit of solemnizing numerous festivals, were much used for such purposes. And without doubt, although similar representations and festivals are now-a -days almost entirely disused, yet these spectacles were very beautiful, and they were