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128 THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. Chap. V is the Madonna in the Duomo, the centre of which, reduced to a circular shape, and let into a modern panelling, contains the Virgin, child, and angels re miniscent of similar ones by Gozzoli, whilst the saints in the sides, and the three little incidents of the predella demonstrate how it might chance that a well posed figure of regular features should be found by the side of others less worthy of praise. 1 As if it were the fate of Alunno’s altarpieces to be dis membered, one of 1465 hangs in separate portions at the Brera of Milan; a Madonna with saints, the sides and pinnacles of which are but partially catalogued, yet seem as if they might easily have been put together again. Rigidity and grimace,* sharp positive colour render this piece peculiarly unattractive 2 A more genuine, and happier combination of grace and nature justly claim more in dulgence for the canvass at S. Maria Nuova of Perugia. It was ordered for the Brotherhood of the S. Annunziata in 1466, and is now framed on an altar, presenting to the spectator an angel turning with an air of veneration towards a modest and composed Virgin; whilst the Eternal in the usual glory sends down the dove of the Holy Ghost; and 1 On the base of the Virgin’s throne one reads: “.pus Nicolai do Fnli . . o MCCOCL . . . S. Pietro Damasio standing writ ing occupies a niche in one of the sides to the right of S. Cassiano holding an inkhorn and scroll and dictating. In the pinnacle a Virgin and three seraphs. The S. Pietro a fine figure of regular type and naturally posed, S. Cassiano weaker, but still not without feeling. In the other side are S. Lawrence and a bishop, with the angel annunciate between two seraphs in the pinnacle; the two saints injured and the colour scaled. Predella 1.: the body of S. Rufinus on a car drawn by oxen, accompanied by clergy, soldiers and people; 2.: the martyrdom of S. R.; 3.: the recovery of his body. As for the Picth. and angels in la ment spoken of by Vasari V. 278., it is said that such a picture on can vass existed, but was, probably, sold in past times. Nothing is known of a panel by Alunno in S. Francesco. 8 Of this dismembered altarpiece three parts arc catalogued. No. 77. Virgin, child and angels, inscribed: “Nicolaus Fulginas pinxit MCCCCLV.” theVirgin’s dress new and the rest somewhat damaged; No. 100. S. Francis; No. 110. S. Bernardino. Besides this exist No. 439. S. Louis, a S. Sebastian, not num bered, and pinnacles, represent ing “Christ crucified and four an gels”, half length: “S. Jerom”, “S. Anthony”, “S. John the Baptist”, “a Saint”, all by Alunno, and doubtless parts of the same picture.