CHAPTER II.
THE SERVITE CLOISTER.
A.D. 1511-1512.
The next great works were the frescoes in the Court of S. Annunziata,
if indeed they were not carried on simultaneously with those in the
Scalzo. This famous series of Andrea's works was obtained by cunning,
and painted in emulation. While the two partners, who had differed from
the beginning, and had since become rivals, were engaged in the Scalzo,
a certain astute Fra Mariano, the keeper of the wax candle stores at
the Servite Convent--to which the church of the S. Annunziata belonged
--had watched well those two young painters. Fra Mariano understood
human nature, as priests often do; he had seen the envious rivalship
growing between them, as the friends, who should have worked together,
took separate compartments, and cast jealous criticising glances on
each other's designs and method of work. Having ambition of his own, he
knew how to work on that of others to further his own aspirations,
which were, to be considered a patron of art and a benefactor to his
convent.
Reading Andrea's heart, he played on all his strongest feelings, placed
before him the glory he would win by covering the lunettes of the
arches in the court of the fine church with frescoes which would carry
his name down to posterity; he said that any other artist would pay
much to obtain leave to paint upon historical walls like those, and how
they would all envy the man who should obtain the coveted honour! Then,
with a half-whispered hint that for one, Francia Bigio was dying to get
the commission for nothing, the wily Frate went his way victorious.
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