Salvi, that he is
accustomed to lowly company." [Footnote: _Hist. of Painting_, vol.
iii. chap. xvii. p. 574.] But in some subjects a rugged strength is
more important than a high refinement, and in the group of humble
fishermen who formed the first church this is not out of place. If he
could only have spiritualised Christ, nothing would be left to be
desired.
Andrea del Sarto was a member of a sacred company called the
"Fraternita del Nicchio," for which he painted a standard to be carried
in their processions. It is now in the Hall of the Old Masters in the
Uffizi, and is a charming group of _S. James, with two children
dressed in white surplices_--the habit of the company. The saint is
caressing one, who kneels at his feet; the other has an open book in
his hand. The draperies are especially graceful, and the expressions
soft and pleasing.
After finishing a portrait of the Intendant of the monks at
Vallombrosa, which the said monk afterwards placed in an arbour covered
with vines, regardless of the injuries of wind and rain--Andrea, having
some colours still left on his palette, took up a tile and called his
wife to sit for her portrait, that all might see how well she had kept
her good looks from her youth; but Lucrezia not being inclined to sit,
he got a mirror and painted _his own portrait_ on the tile
instead.
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