The Lives of the Painters, Sculptors & Architects (Volume 3) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Excerpt: ... length Mino over-exerted himself in endeavouring to move some stones, not having the help which he needed, so that he caught a chill of which he died, and was honourably buried by his friends and relations in the cloister of Fiesole in the year 1486. Mino's portrait, by whose hand I know not, is in our book of drawings. It was given to me with some of his designs in black lead of considerable merit. Lorenzo Costa, Painter of Ferrara. Although men have always practised the arts of design in Tuscany more than in any other province of Italy and perhaps of Europe, yet the other provinces have also produced rare and excellent spirits in that profession, as has been already shown in a number of lives, and will be further demonstrated in the future. It is indeed true that where men are not habitually inclined to study, it is not possible to make such rapid progress or to become so excellent as it is in those places where artists are continually practising and studying in competition. But so soon as one or two begin, it seems that many others invariably follow, so great is the force of genius, endeavouring to pursue the same road with honour to themselves and to their country. Lorenzo Costa of Ferrara, being naturally inclined to painting, and hearing the praises of Fra Filippo, Benozzo and others in Tuscany, came to Florence to see their works. Arrived there he was greatly pleased by their style, and he remained in the city for many months, endeavouring to imitate them so far as he could, especially in drawing from life, in which he was most successful. Returning to his native country he produced many admirable works there, in spite of a somewhat dry and hard style, for instance in the choir of S. Domenico at Ferrara, where the diligence and study which he devoted to his works are well dis...