Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/42

30 Here he proposed to live with that brother of his to whom he had given the Canonicate, intending to use his pencils no more: but in that matter also he was compelled to a change of plans, seeing that having taken a wife and become the father of a family, he was in a manner forced, by that instinct which impels a man to desire the future welfare of his children, as well as to feel anxious that they shall be fittingly brought up in his own lifetime, he was compelled, I say, once more to recommence his labours.

He then, at the request of the father of the Cavalier Giovan-Francesco di Spilimbergo, adorned the walls of a room with figures of children, garlands, and other fantasies; after which he decorated the Chapel of Santa Maria di Civitale, with admirable stucco-work and paintings; and for the canons of the Cathedral in that place, he painted two exceedingly beautiful standards. For the Fraternity of Santa Maria di Castello in Udine, Giovanni likewise painted a figure of Our Lady with the Divine Child in her arms, on a rich Gonfalon or Banner; beside the Virgin is a most graceful Angel, who offers to her the above-named Castello, which is on an eminence in the centre of the city.

In Venice also this artist executed certain works, among which may be particularized a chamber most beautifully adorned with stucco-work and paintings, in the Palace of Monsignore Grimani, the Patriarch of Aquilea. In this room there are besides some admirable stories in small figures from the hand of Francesco Salviati.

Finally, in the year 1550, our artist, having gone on a pilgrimage to Rome for the most holy Jubilee, travelling on foot, meanly clothed, and in the company of the poorer sort of pilgrims, thus remained in the city several days without being known to any one; but one morning, as he was going to San Paalo, he was recognized by Giorgio Vasari, then proceeding to the same Pardoning, in a coach, with Messer Bindo Altoviti, who was his intimate friend. Giovanni at first denied that he was himself, but being at length com-