Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 2.djvu/491

Rh or even from want, and are consequently compelled to give their attention to mechanical occupations, not having opportunity for exercise of the intellect, or for attaining the highest degree of excellence in art: very justly, therefore, has it been remarked by the learned Alciato, when speaking of men of genius born in penury, and who cannot lift themselves to the height they desire to attain, because pressed down by poverty, however forcibly impelled upwards by the wings of their genius; well, I say, remarks Alciato:—

But men of genius were always protected by the magnificent Lorenzo, and more especially did he favour such of the nobles as he perceived to have an inclination for the study of art; it is therefore no matter of astonishment that masters should have proceeded from this school, some of whom have awakened the surprise, as well as admiration of the world. And not only did Lorenzo provide the means of instruction, but also those of life for all who were too poor to pursue their studies without such aid; nay, he further supplied them with proper clothing, and even bestowed considerable presents on any one among them who had distinguished himself from his fellows by some well executed design; all which so encouraged the young students of our arts, that labouring in emulation of each other, many of them became excellent masters, as I shall relate hereafter.

The guardian and chief of these young men was, at that time, the Florentine sculptor Bertoldo t an old and experienced master, who had been a disciple of Donato. From him the students received instruction, while he also had charge of all the treasures contained in the garden, with the numerous designs, drawings, cartoons, and models, collected there from the hand of Donato, Pippo, Masaccio, Paolo Uccello, Fra Giovanni, Fra Filippo, and other masters, native and foreign; and of a truth, these arts can only be