Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/491

Rh Duke, where they are arranged in three lines, as will be related when we speak further of the ornaments of that apartment: the copies consist of popes, emperors, kings, and other princes, with military leaders, men of learning, and persons of eminence; at a word, from whatever cause they have become illustrious.

We also shall of a truth be all deeply indebted to the care of Giovio and the Duke, seeing that from this beginning, not only the apartments of princes but the chambers of private persons are now being adorned with portraits of one or another among these illustrious men, as the partialities of country, family, or friendship shall decide. Cristofano, then, has fixed himself to this kind of work for which his genius, or perhaps I should say inclination, disposed him; and he has done little besides, as finding that he derives honour and profit in abundance from this.

Stefano Fieri and Lorenzo dello Sciorina are likewise disciples of Bronzino; they both distinguished themselves in the obsequies of Michelagnolo, as well as for the marriage of his Highness, and that in a manner which has caused them to be placed among the number of our academicians.

From the same school of Pontormo and Bronzino, came also Battista Naldini, of whom we have spoken elsewhere; and who, having passed some time in Rome, after the death of Pontormo, has made considerable improvement, insomuch that he has become a bold and able painter, as is seen by various works executed by his hand for Don Vincenzio Borghini, who has employed him frequently and assists him very much, as he does Francesco da Poppi, a young artist, and also one of our academicians. This Francesco has acquitted himself exceedingly well in the preparations for the marriage of his Highness, as have other young men whom Don Vincenzio is constantly employing and assisting. Vasari likewise has availed himself of Battista’s services for more than two years, and still continues to do so for the works of the Ducal Palace in Florence, where, in emulation with the many other young artists who also work at that