Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/256

248 trived among other things that the works of the façade should be laid aside for the time, and those of the Sacristy proceeded with; these two works being, as he said, sufficient to occupy Michelagnolo for many years; and he meanwhile persuaded the Pope to give Baccio the large piece of marble, from which Michelagnolo had intended to make his colossal figure.

Bandinelli had at this time no undertaking in hand, and Domenico suggested to the Pope that, by the emulation of two men so much distinguished, his Holiness would be more diligently, more rapidly, and more effectually served, than by entrusting all to one, since the rivalry and competition between them would stimulate them both to do their utmost for the work. This advice of Domenico pleased the Pontiff, who proceeded to act in accordance therewith, and Baccio obtained the marble. He then prepared a large model in wax, representing Hercules, who, having fixed the head of Cacus between two stones, presses it firmly with one knee, while he keeps him down with the left arm, using immense force, and retaining his antagonist in an attitude of which the pain and suffering are rendered clearly manifest; the legs drawn up in the extremity of the pain inflicted by the violence offered, and by the weight of Hercules, which bears on him with a force that causes every muscle in the frame of Cacus to seem strained to bursting. The figure of Hercules, bent down, is seen with the head brought near his foe; grinding his teeth, which are firmly pressed together, he raises the right arm, and fiercely dealing Cacus a second blow, is about to dash his head to pieces with his club.

When Michelagnolo heard that the marble had been given to Baccio, he felt very much displeased; but whatever were the efforts he made for the purpose, he could not prevail on the Pope to recall his mandate, his Holiness being well satisfied moreover with the model of Bandinelli, and was therefore the less to be moved from his purpose. Baccio added many vauntings and promises likewise, boasting that he would surpass the David of Michelagnolo; and, being assisted in all ways by Boninsegni, who declared that Michelagnolo wished to have everything for himself.

Thus the city was deprived of a fine ornament, which that marble, treated by the hand of Michelagnolo, would indubitably have become. The above-mentioned model of Baccio is