Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/204

196 described grotto, which he constructed after an admirable design, adding the three niches, whereof there has before been mention; as also the two fountains, one on each side of the grotto. One of these fountains was to be adorned with a large figure in stone, representing the Mount Asinaio; the hand pressing down the long flowing beard, and water pouring from the mouth into a basin which was to be placed in front of the figure. From this basin the water was then to escape by a concealed exit, and passing beneath the wall, was to supply the fountain, which is now completed, and stands behind the ascent from the garden of the labyrinth, receiving that water into a vase placed on the shoulders of a statue, which represents the river Mugnone, and stands within a large niche of grey stone, richly decorated with various ornaments, and partially covered with a spongeous stone. This work, had it been wholly completed, as it has been executed in part, would have presented a magnificent explication of the truth, since the river Mugnone does take rise in, or receive its birth from, the Mount Asinaio.

For this figure of the Mugnone then, to speak of that which has been actually accomplished, Tribolo executed a statue in grey stone, four braccia in height, but in a recumbent position, and presenting a most beautiful attitude: on one shoulder this figure bears a vase from which there pours water into a basin, and the other reposes on the earth, the statue leaning thereon, with the right leg beneath the left, which is crossed over it. Behind this figure is that of a Woman, intended to represent the city of Fiesole, wholly undraped; she steps from within the spongeous stones of the niche, holding the Moon, which is the ancient device of the Fiesolans, in her hand. Beneath this recess is a very large basin, supported by two large Capricorns, which are one of the devices of the Duke; around the necks of these animals hang festoons and masks of great beauty, and from their mouths is poured the water of the basin. The latter, being convex in the centre, has certain issues whence the water falls streaming over on all sides; but all which is not poured through these issues, throws itself through the mouths of the