Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/175

Rh Christ with the Maries, and this, for a work in fresco, is verywell executed. In the abbey of Santa Fiore, which also belongs to the Black Friars, he painted a picture on canvas and in oil, behind the crucifix which is placed on the high altar; this represents Christ praying in the Garden, with the angel, who offers him consolation at the same time that he points to the Cup of the Passion, without doubt a good and beautiful work. For the Benedictine nuns of Arezzo, who belong to the order of Camaldoli, Niccolò painted a figure of the Virgin on the arch over a door by which they enter their convent. The Madonna was accompanied by San Benedetto and Santa Caterina, but wrhen the church was enlarged this work was destroyed.

Niccolò Soggi frequently passed his time at the Castello of Marciano, in the Valdichiana, where he lived, partly on the proceeds of some property which he possessed in that place, and partly on such gains as he could make there. Here then he commenced a picture, the subject of which was the Dead Christ, with certain other wrorks, over which he occupied himself for some time, and meanwhile, having the youth above-named, Domenico Giuntalocchi, whom he loved as a son, with him, he took great pains to instruct him in his art, teaching him the laws of perspective, making him draw from nature, and labouring to render him excellent in his vocation. In these respects therefore, Domenico succeeded admirably well, showing considerable genius and much judgment, and all this Niccolò did in great measure from the affection which he bore to that youth; but also in the hope that as he was then approaching age, he might thus have some one with him wdio might assist him in his labours, and in the last days of his life might repay him for all those cares and that affection. But Niccolò was of a truth most friendly towards all; of a sincere and upright nature, he was more particularly disposed to aid those whom he saw to be labouring for distinction in art, and whatever he knew he would impart, more than willingly, to every one.

Now it chanced on a certain time, when Niccolò had returned from Marciano into Arezzo, and after Domenico had departed from him, that the men of the Brotherhood, of