He made promises that he
would bring her back to Paris with him, and the king in all faith
allowed him to depart, confiding to him large sums of money for the
purchase of works of art to be sent to France.
Sguazzella, wiser than his master, preferred to stay in Paris under the
patronage of Cardinal de Tournon. He painted a great many works, much
in the style of Andrea, but with less excellence. It is possible that
some of M. Lepiscie's long list are, in fact, the work of the pupil
rather than the master. When Benvenuto Cellini went to France in 1537
he lodged in Sguazzella's house, with his three servants and three
horses, at a weekly rate of payment (_a tanto la settimana_).
But to return to Andrea: this is an episode in his life which we would
gladly pass over if it were possible, for it forms the moral blot on a
great artistic career.
Returning home he fell once more under the strong will of his wife, but
with his principles weakened by the effect of a luxury and prosperity
which has always a greater deteriorating effect on a nature such as his
than on a finer mind.
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