Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/499

Rh medals were made for Pope Clement, who succeeded better than did Cellini, as is well known to those who have seen or possess any of the same. He therefore received the care of the dies for the Roman Mint; nor have more beautiful coins ever been seen than are those then stamped in Rome. After the death of Clement, Benvenuto returned to Florence, where he also struck the dies with the head of Duke Alessandro for the Mint of Florence, executing the same so admirably and with such care that they are now kept as might be the most beautiful ancient medals, and with good reason, seeing that in these Cellini surpassed himself.

Having ultimately turned his attention to Sculpture and casting in metal, Benvenuto performed numerous works in France, some of which were in bronze, gold, and silver, he being for a certain time in the service of Francesco King of that realm. Having subsequently returned to his native country, he entered the service of Duke Cosimo, by whom he was at first employed in goldsmiths’ work, but who finally gave him commissions for works in sculpture. The Perseus, in metal, cutting off the Head of Medusa, which is near the gate of the Palace in the Piazza del Duca, is by the hand of Cellini; it stands on a pedestal of marble, decorated with most beautiful figures in bronze, each about one braccio and a third in height. This whole work was executed with so much care, and has in truth been completed to such perfection, that it worthily occupies the above-named position, where it stands together with the Judith of that most renowned and admirable sculptor Donato. Nor is it a little extraordinary that Benvenuto, so long occupied with works of such minute character, should so successfully have executed a statue of such size and importance.

He has also made a Crucifix in marble, which is in full relief and the size of life, the most beautiful work of its kind that could well be seen; wherefore the Signor Duke has had it brought to the Pitti Palace, as a thing greatly valued by himself; and it is to be placed in the Chapel, or rather small Church, which is now constructing there; nor can this church be provided in our times with any ornament more worthy of itself, or of so great a Prince, than this Crucifix, which it would be difficult to commend sufficiently.

I might easily find much more to say respecting the works of Benvenuto Cellini, who has given proof in all his pro-