Some say Andrea was jealous of his
success; he, however, had generosity enough to praise and acknowledge
his talent, and to show his appreciation by giving him important work
to do in his own studio.
Pontormo did the predella to Andrea's altar-piece of the
_Annunciation_ for the convent of S. Gallo. His hand is to be seen
also in several of his master's works. He drew public attention first
by painting two figures of _Faith_ and _Charity_ on the escutcheon
of the Medici for Andrea di Cosimo, who had obtained the commission, but
did not feel equal to executing it. Michelangelo, on seeing these figures,
prophesied great things for the youth, who was at that time only nineteen
years of age.
The people of Pontormo, his native town, were so proud of him, that
they sent for him to emblazon the arms of Pope Leo over the gate of
their city.
He was next employed by one of the festal companies of the age, called
the Company of the Diamond, to design cars, banners, and costumes for a
triumphal procession in honour of Leo X.'s elevation to the papal
chair; and he organised a very suggestive array of the ages of man,
illustrated historically.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194