Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/111

Rh set hand to the work accordingly, but without altogether neglecting the Tomb of Sannazzaro, for which Tadda was executing the remainder of the carvings and decorations at Carrara; and while these were in course of preparation, the Frate finished the Statue of Doria, to the great satisfaction of the Prince and all the people of Genoa.

Now the above-mentioned statue was intended, as we have said, to be placed on the Piazza Doria, but the Genoese made so much ado in the matter, that notwithstanding the protestations of Giovann’ Agnolo, the figure was in fact erected on the Piazza della Signoria. It was in vain that the Frate declared the statue to have been executed with a view to its being placed on a pedestal and in an isolated position in the midst of an open space, adding, that it could not therefore have its due effect if placed, as was now proposed, at the angle of a wall; all that he could say availed nothing. Yet to tell the truth, it is certain that there cannot be a more injurious act than that of placing a work intended for some particular place in a different position, seeing that the artist, as he proceeds with his labour, has a view to the place where the sculpture or painting is to be fixed, and accommodates himself thereto in respect to the lights and other circumstances.

After this, and when the Genoese had seen the stories and other figures which Giovann’ Agnolo had executed for the Tomb of Sannazzaro, which pleased them greatly, they determined that the Frate should have the commission for a figure of San Giovanni Evangelista, which was to be placed in their Cathedral Church; and when this was completed, they were so abundantly satisfied therewith, as to declare themselves amazed by its beauty.

Leaving Genoa, Fra Giovanni at length proceeded to Naples, there to erect the Tomb of Sannazzaro in its place, and the manner of that monument is on this wise: at the outer angles of the base are two pedestals, on each of which are carved the arms of Sannazzaro, and between them is a stone tablet of a braccio and a half in width, on which is