Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 3.djvu/502

494 made extensive acquisitions both in fame and knowledge, Luca executed an exceedingly fine and delicately finished engraving, on a very large plate; the subject, Virgil suspended from the window in the Basket, with certain heads and figures so wonderfully beautiful, that they induced Albert, whose manner had been considerably improved and refined by this competition, to bring out others, which were of such perfect excellence, that better could not be conceived; and wherein, desiring to prove the wonders of which he was capable, he produced an armed man on horseback, as the symbol of Human Force, which is finished with such care, that the glitter of the arms and the gloss of the black horse’s coat are clearly to be distinguished, an efiect of very difficult production in design. This bold rider had Death with his hour-glass beside him, and the Devil behind. There was in the same picture a rough-haired Dog, executed with the most subtle delicacy that can possibly be given to an engraving.

In the year 1512 there appeared sixteen small copperplate engravings by the hand of the same master; these represent the Passion of Christ. They are admirable works, and exhibit the perfection of beauty, grace, and softness, in small figures, which have force and relief also in the highest degree. But this rivalry further incited Luca of Holland, who in his turn resolved on renewed efforts, and executed twelve similar, and very beautiful plates, but not equal in perfection to those of Albert, whether as regards design or execution. He likewise published a San Giorgio consoling the Damsel, who is weeping her sad fate when about to be devoured by the Dragon; as also others, representing Solomon worshipping Idols, the Baptism of Christ, Pyramus and Thisbe, and Queen Esther kneeling before Ahasuerus.

But Albert, on his part, would not suffer himself to be surpassed by Luca, whether in the number or excellence of his works; he therefore engraved a nude figure hovering.