Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/166

154 Francesco, insomuch that he angrily retired from the work and its contentions, believing that he had not been held in sufficient esteem. He mounted his horse, therefore, and without saying a word to any one, left Rome, and went to Florence, where he lodged himself in a tavern, not showing the least consideration for any one of his friends, proceeding as if he had not belonged to the place, and had no acquaintance, or any one for whom he cared within the city. At a later period, it is true that he did present himself to the Duke, by whom he was so well received that some good result might reasonably have been expected, had Francesco been of a different disposition, or if he had given ear to the counsel of Vasari, who advised him to sell the offices which he held in Rome, and to settle in Florence, there to enjoy himself among his friends, and thus escape the danger he was in of losing all the fruits of his toils, as well as his life itself. But Francesco, incited by the desire of vengeance, and listening to his anger and obstinacy alone, resolved to return to Rome, come what might, before the lapse of many days; but he did so far comply with the entreaties of his friends as to leave that tavern, and retire to the house of Messer Marco Finale, Prior of Sant’ Apostolo.

Here he painted for Messer Jacopo Salviati—principally for his amusement—a picture of the Madonna, with the Dead Christ, in colours, on cloth of silver.

Our Lady is accompanied by the other Maries, and the work was considered a singularly beautiful one. He also repainted a Medallion of the Ducal Arms, which Messer Alamanno had formerly caused to be placed over a gate of his Palace; and for the above-named Messer Jacopo he prepared a beautiful book, filled with costumes of fanciful characters, comprising head-dresses and decorations of various kinds, both for men and horses, to be used in the different maskings then held, receiving innumerable courtesies from the kindness of that Noble, who did, nevertheless, complain much of his strange proceedings, seeing that he could never prevail on Francesco to take up his abode in his house on this occasion, as he had done at other times.

Finally, Francesco being resolved on returning to Rome, Giorgio, as his friend, reminded him that, being rich, advanced in years, and of very weak health, he ought now to