Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 3.djvu/247

Rh It is without doubt a remarkable thing to see the whole history of the Crucifixion exhibited on so small a surface as that presented by the stone of a peach, comprising too, as do those executed by Properzia, a vast number of figures, besides those of the executioners and the apostles, and, what is more than all, exhibiting the most delicate treatment of each figure, with a truly admirable arrangement of all.

Encouraged by her success in these attempts, Properzia resolved to apply to the superintendent of works to the cathedral for a portion of the labours to be executed, when the three doors of the principal façade of San Petronio were to be decorated with figures in marble. This she did through the medium of her husband, and to that application the superintendents returned a favourable reply, declaring themselves willing to entrust her with a portion of the work, but first requiring to see some specimen in marble of what she could perform. Properzia thereupon immediately commenced a bust in the finest marble for the Count Alessandro de’ Pepoli; this represented the father of that noble, Count Guido Pepoli; it was taken from the life, and gave infinite satisfaction, not only to the Pepoli family, but also to the whole city. The Sculptress consequently received a commission from the superintendents, who immediately