Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/370

358 if lamenting the loss of that great and extraordinary genius. In the picture of that side which turned towards the door of the Cloister was Michelagnolo engaged in constructing the fortifications of the Heights at San Miniato, and which were considered impregnable: this was by Lorenzo Sciorini, the disciple of Bronzino, and a youth of much promise. The lowermost part, or what may be called the base of the whole fabric, had a projecting pedestal on each side, and on each pedestal was a colossal figure, having another at its feet in the manner of a captive, and of similar size, but in the most singular and abject attitude. The first, or that on the right as you approach the High Altar, was a youth of slender form, and a countenance full of life and spirit, representing Grenius, and with two small wings on his temples, as Mercury is sometimes depicted: beneath his feet, and executed with remarkable ability, was a figure with asinine ears, representing Ignorance, the mortal enemy of Genius. These were both by Vincenzio Danti, of Perugia; of whom and of his works, which are much distinguished among the young sculptors of the day, we shall speak more at length hereafter.

On the Pedestal opposite to this, and facing the new Sacristy, was a female figure representing Christian Love; for this, being made up of religion, and every other excellence, is no less than an aggregate of all those qualities which we call the cardinal, and the Pagans the moral virtues, and was thus appropriately placed in the monument of Michelagnolo, since it beseems Christians to celebrate the Christian virtues, without which all other ornaments of body or mind are as nothing. This figure, which had Vice, or Impiety, trampled beneath its feet, was by Valerio Cioli, an excellent youth oi much ability, and who well merits the name of a judicious and diligent sculptor. Opposite to the above, and on the side of the old Sacristy, was a figure of the goddess Minerva, or Art; and this was placed there with much judgment, since after a pure life and upright walk, which among the good are ever to be held the first, it was Art that gave to Michelagnolo, not honour and riches only, but so much glory, even in his life, that he may with truth be said to have then enjoyed, more than most of our illustrious artists obtain from their works even after death; nay, to him it was given even to overcome envy, seeing that by common consent, and without any contradiction, the reputation of being