DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.32874#0394
CHAPTER XII
(1552)
Michelangelo writes to Cellini praising his portrait-bust of Bindo
Altoviti.—In April 1552 Benvenuto goes to lodge with Altoviti in
Rome.—He is not very cordially welcomed, but he obtains from
his host an annuity on his own life.—He pays a visit to Pope
Julius III; and he endeavours to persuade Michelangelo to re-
turn to Florence.—Returning home Benvenuto is ungraciously
received by the Duke, who, however, eventually listens to all that
has occurred in Rome in connection with Altoviti and Michel-
angelo.—Our hero labours by day upon the and in the
evening in the Duke's Wardrobe.—The Duchess is enraged
with him regarding the valuation of a string of pearls which the
Duke, wearied out by the importunities of Bernardo Baldini, the
broker, had at last agreed to purchase to please Her Excellency.
—Benvenuto's reflections regarding this transaction.
1") EFORE I started I gave orders to my workmen
that they should continue according to the methods
which I had shown them. And the reason why I went
was that I had made a representation of Bindo d'Antonio
Altoviti's ' head, exactly as large as life, in bronze, and
** Bindo d'Antonio Altoviti, a member of one of the most illus-
trious Florentine families, and a rich merchant in Rome, was a
patron of the Arts and artists, and an enemy of the Medici. For
this reason he was a generous protector of the exiles, and a staunch
defender of the liberties of his country, in support of which he ex-
pended large sums of money. He lived in great splendour, honour,
and esteem at the Papal Court; nor could the Medici injure him
330
(1552)
Michelangelo writes to Cellini praising his portrait-bust of Bindo
Altoviti.—In April 1552 Benvenuto goes to lodge with Altoviti in
Rome.—He is not very cordially welcomed, but he obtains from
his host an annuity on his own life.—He pays a visit to Pope
Julius III; and he endeavours to persuade Michelangelo to re-
turn to Florence.—Returning home Benvenuto is ungraciously
received by the Duke, who, however, eventually listens to all that
has occurred in Rome in connection with Altoviti and Michel-
angelo.—Our hero labours by day upon the and in the
evening in the Duke's Wardrobe.—The Duchess is enraged
with him regarding the valuation of a string of pearls which the
Duke, wearied out by the importunities of Bernardo Baldini, the
broker, had at last agreed to purchase to please Her Excellency.
—Benvenuto's reflections regarding this transaction.
1") EFORE I started I gave orders to my workmen
that they should continue according to the methods
which I had shown them. And the reason why I went
was that I had made a representation of Bindo d'Antonio
Altoviti's ' head, exactly as large as life, in bronze, and
** Bindo d'Antonio Altoviti, a member of one of the most illus-
trious Florentine families, and a rich merchant in Rome, was a
patron of the Arts and artists, and an enemy of the Medici. For
this reason he was a generous protector of the exiles, and a staunch
defender of the liberties of his country, in support of which he ex-
pended large sums of money. He lived in great splendour, honour,
and esteem at the Papal Court; nor could the Medici injure him
330