DOI chapter:
Chapter X: The Forteguerri Tomb
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62110#0207
THE FORTEGUERRI TOMB
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rose to such a pitch that the intervention of Lorenzo
dei Medici was desired to settle the matter (March 11,
1478, n.s.). The rival models, those of Verrocchio and
of Piero Pollaiuolo, were sent to him in Florence, and
his judgment as to their respective merits demanded.
Lorenzo’s answer is, unfortunately, not forthcoming, but
that his judgment was in favour of Verrocchio is known
to us by another letter from the Operai, written within
six days of the first (March 17,1478). In this they express
themselves “aware of their own inexperience in such
matters,” and ready to bow to his decision. The com-
mission for the Monument was, upon receipt of Lorenzo’s
letter, definitively given to Verrocchio.
Since the most probable explanation of Verrocchio’s
neglect of the commission and the absence of any personal
work in the marble tomb is to be found in his resentment
at the inimical attitude towards him of the Operai, their
letter to Lorenzo, lengthy though it be, must be quoted :
Magnifice Vir et benefactor, &c. . . .
For necessary things we have to trouble your Magnifi-
cence, and for this reason; that after the death of Monsignor
di Thyano of blessed memory, our dearly loved compatriot, as
a memorial of his most reverend Lordship, and on account of
benefits received from him by this City, it seemed good to
this Community to make a public demonstration, and at our
advice it was decided that a sum of 1100 Lire should be spent
on a monument to his memory; and that it befitted us
Citizens that we should cause models to be made, and that
these when finished should be presented to the Council, and
that which the Council chose should be accepted.. Where-
fo”e five models were presented to the Council, among the
which was one by Andrea del Varrocchio, which pleased more
127
rose to such a pitch that the intervention of Lorenzo
dei Medici was desired to settle the matter (March 11,
1478, n.s.). The rival models, those of Verrocchio and
of Piero Pollaiuolo, were sent to him in Florence, and
his judgment as to their respective merits demanded.
Lorenzo’s answer is, unfortunately, not forthcoming, but
that his judgment was in favour of Verrocchio is known
to us by another letter from the Operai, written within
six days of the first (March 17,1478). In this they express
themselves “aware of their own inexperience in such
matters,” and ready to bow to his decision. The com-
mission for the Monument was, upon receipt of Lorenzo’s
letter, definitively given to Verrocchio.
Since the most probable explanation of Verrocchio’s
neglect of the commission and the absence of any personal
work in the marble tomb is to be found in his resentment
at the inimical attitude towards him of the Operai, their
letter to Lorenzo, lengthy though it be, must be quoted :
Magnifice Vir et benefactor, &c. . . .
For necessary things we have to trouble your Magnifi-
cence, and for this reason; that after the death of Monsignor
di Thyano of blessed memory, our dearly loved compatriot, as
a memorial of his most reverend Lordship, and on account of
benefits received from him by this City, it seemed good to
this Community to make a public demonstration, and at our
advice it was decided that a sum of 1100 Lire should be spent
on a monument to his memory; and that it befitted us
Citizens that we should cause models to be made, and that
these when finished should be presented to the Council, and
that which the Council chose should be accepted.. Where-
fo”e five models were presented to the Council, among the
which was one by Andrea del Varrocchio, which pleased more