Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/387

Rh of Primaticcio in design is made manifest by a drawing, now in my book, which he has sent me, and which I greatly value for his sake as well as for the perfection of the work.

King Prancis 1. being dead, the Abbot remained with King Henry, whom he served while he lived, and on his death was, by Prancis II., made Commissioner-general of all the public buildings in Prance; a most honourable office, formerly exercised by Monsignore de Villeroi. Since the death of Prancis II., Primaticcio, retaining the same office, has served the present King; by whose order, and that of the Queen-mother, he has commenced the Tomb of the abovenamed King Henry. This is to be constructed in the centre of a chapel having six sides, on four of which are to be the tombs of his four sons; the fifth side being occupied by the altar, and the sixth by the door. Many fine bronzes and statues in marble are to enrich this work, which will doubtless prove to be worthy of so great a King, as well as of so excellent an artist as is the Abbot of San Martino. In his best years, Primaticcio displayed the utmost ability and universality in all things appertaining to our arts; and in the service of his royal masters, he has laboured not only for their buildings, paintings, and stucco-works, but also in the preparations for their various festivities and solemnities, wherein he has shown much ingenuity and power of invention.

He has ever been most liberal and affectionate towards his friends and relations, as well as towards the artists who have served him. In Bologna, more particularly, he has conferred many benefits, and has bought houses of much convenience and beauty for his kindred; witness that now inhabited by Messer Antonio Ancelmi, who married the niece of Primaticcio; another niece, sister of the first mentioned, has also been honourably married by him, and with a good dowry. His life has ever been that of a gentleman rather than a painter; but he is always most friendly to those of our vocation, as I have said: when he sent for Prospero Fontana, for example, he took care to forward a good sum of money for his journey to Prance; but this, Pontana having fallen sick, could not return by his labours or otherwise; wherefore, when I passed through Bologna in 1563,1 spoke to the Abbot on that subject for Prospero; and Primaticcio was so kind that, before I left the city, I saw a writing from his hand, whereby he