Harford, John Scandrett: The life of Michael Angelo Buonarroti: with translations of many of his poems and letters : also memoirs of Savonarola, Raphael,, and Vittoria Colonna (Vol. 1) (London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, 1858)

258 LIFE OF MICHAEL ANGELO.

CHAPTER XII.
AT THE URGENT INSTANCE OF JULIUS II., BUT CONTRARY TO
HIS OWN WISHES, MICHAEL ANGELO PAINTS THE CEILING OF
THE SISTINE CHAPEL. -HIS ADMIRABLE SUCCESS IN THIS
GREAT WORK. -RENEWED ALTERCATION WITH THE POPE,
WHICH PROVES MOMENTARY.
1508-12.
In the year 1508, Michael Angelo returned to
Rome. During his absence, other objects, to the
exclusion of the projected mausoleum, had gained
full possession of the mind of the sovereign pontiff.
The stupendous scheme of rebuilding St. Peter's,
on a scale of unparalleled magnificence, was in
progress, from the plans and under the direction
of Bramante. Great additions and decorations
were being carried on in the palace of the Vatican,
and plans for adding still further to its splendour
were under consideration. Foremost among these
was the employment of the pencil of Raphael, in
adorning its principal halls and apartments with
paintings in fresco on a grand scale.
This illustrious artist, then in the prime of youth,
and approaching the maturity of his wonderful