Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 3.djvu/148

140 by command of Pope Clement, was on the point of setting hand to the completion of the new Sacristy and Library of San Lorenzo in Florence, according to the manner in which it had been begun; wherefore, the last-mentioned master, being well aware of the ability possessed by Raffaello, availed himself of his assistance on that occasion. Among other things, he caused him to execute the figure of San Domenico, of which Michelagnolo had himself prepared the model. This most beautiful statue, which is in marble, is now in the above-named sacristy, and is highly extolled by every competent observer.

On the death of Clement VII. Raffaello attached himself to the service of the Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, who was at that time building the fortress of Prato, when, at his command, our artist executed the Arms of the Emperor, Charles V., on grey stone, for one of the most conspicuous parts of the out-works. It was placed on the highest point of the principal bastion, on the outer side that is to say. The shield was borne by two figures, entirely nude and of the size of life, each representing Victory, and both held at that time, as they are now, and ever have been, in the highest estimation. On the summit of another elevation, on the southern side namely, and towards the city, Raffaello placed the Arms of the Duke Alessandro above-named, in the same stone, and in like manner upheld by two figures.

No long time after having completed this undertaking, Raffaello executed a large Crucifix in wood, for the Nuns of Sant’ Apollonia; and for Alessandro Antinori, then a rich and noble merchant of Florence, he prepared a magnificent work on the marriage of his daughter, decorating the same most richly with statues, historical representations, and many other exceedingly beautiful ornaments.

Having then repaired to Rome, Raffaello received a commission from Buonarroti for two large marble statues, each