Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/307

Rh of Bologna; and of a truth, Francia acquired so much facility, and was so much encouraged by seeing his productions attain to the perfection he desired for them, that he executed numberless paintings, of which I cannot record the particulars, it must suffice me to indicate to those who may Avish to see his works, the most celebrated and best only. Nor did he permit his painting to interfere with his other works in medals, or to prevent him from giving his attention to the affairs of the mint, as he had done from the beginning. The departure of Messer Giovanni Bentivoglio from the city, caused Francia great sorrow, as it is said; the exile of one from whom he had received such important benefits grieving him exceedingly; but yet, like a prudent and moderate person as he Avas, he continued to pursue his labours with his usual assiduity. After Messer Giovanni had gone therefore, be painted three pictures, which were taken to Modena; in one of these is the Baptism of Christ by St. John, in the second a most beautiful Annunciation, and in the third a Madonna in the heavens, with many other figures; this last Avas placed in the church belonging to the Frati dell’ Osservanza.

By such works, the fame of this excellent master became bruited abroad, and the different cities contended Avith each other for the possession of his pictures: accordingly he executed one in Parma, for the Black Friars of San Giovanni;