DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.51584#0215
IX FRANCIA.
211
of form, the brow in all being rather low and nar-
row ; but the prevailing expression is simple, affec-
tionate, devout, full of faith and hope. The back-
ground is formed of two open arches adorned with
sculpture, the blue sky beyond; and lower down,
between St. Paul and St. Sebastian, is seen a
glimpse of a beautiful landscape. The draperies
are grand and ample; the colouring rich and
warm; the execution most finished in every part.
On the cornice of the raised throne or pedestal is
inscribed Francia1 aurifex Bononiensis P.
(i. e. painted by Francia, goldsmith of Bologna),
but no date. It measures six feet and a half high
by six feet wide.
Over this square picture was placed the lunette,
or arch, which now hangs on the opposite side of
the room. It represents the subject called in
Italian a Pieta—the Dead Redeemer supported on
the knees of the Virgin mother. An angel clothed
in green drapery supports the drooping head of the
Saviour; another angel in red drapery kneels at his
feet. Grief in the face of the sorrowing mother—
in the countenances of the angels reverential sorrow
and pity—are most admirably expressed.
This altar-piece was painted by Francia about
the year 1500, for the Marchesa Buonvisi of Lucca,
and placed in the chapel of the Buonvisi family in
the church of San Frediano. It remained there till
lately purchased by the Duke of Lucca, who sent it
211
of form, the brow in all being rather low and nar-
row ; but the prevailing expression is simple, affec-
tionate, devout, full of faith and hope. The back-
ground is formed of two open arches adorned with
sculpture, the blue sky beyond; and lower down,
between St. Paul and St. Sebastian, is seen a
glimpse of a beautiful landscape. The draperies
are grand and ample; the colouring rich and
warm; the execution most finished in every part.
On the cornice of the raised throne or pedestal is
inscribed Francia1 aurifex Bononiensis P.
(i. e. painted by Francia, goldsmith of Bologna),
but no date. It measures six feet and a half high
by six feet wide.
Over this square picture was placed the lunette,
or arch, which now hangs on the opposite side of
the room. It represents the subject called in
Italian a Pieta—the Dead Redeemer supported on
the knees of the Virgin mother. An angel clothed
in green drapery supports the drooping head of the
Saviour; another angel in red drapery kneels at his
feet. Grief in the face of the sorrowing mother—
in the countenances of the angels reverential sorrow
and pity—are most admirably expressed.
This altar-piece was painted by Francia about
the year 1500, for the Marchesa Buonvisi of Lucca,
and placed in the chapel of the Buonvisi family in
the church of San Frediano. It remained there till
lately purchased by the Duke of Lucca, who sent it