Chap. VII. PIETRO PERUGIMO. 187 Sandro Botticelli, Alesso Baldovinetti, Andrea da Fiesole, Lapo, were all grouped together; and prominent amidst them all the commanding figure of Lorenzo de’ Medici. One might have thought that the time chosen for this competition would be favorable beyond any other. As a state, Florence enjoyed peace and wealth, both a guarantee for the speedy prosecution of a great architectural under taking, and Lorenzo de’ Medici was in the fulness of his power. But when the names of the competitors are con sidered, it seems doubtful whether the talent which they represented would have sufficed. • This, it seems, was felt by most persons at the meeting; for after Tommaso Mi- nerbetti had opened the proceedings with a statement of the labours of the operai, more than one speaker rose for the purpose of recommending delay and mature consider ation; and Lorenzo de’ Medici closed the debate with an eulogy upon those who had sent designs, but at the same time with a suggestion that there would be no inconve nience in postponing a matter of such gravity to a future time. In this manner the hopes that might have been entertained as to finishing S. Maria del Fiore were dashed to the ground. The model and designs were consigned to oblivion, and the persons present parted to their several homes. Whatever may have been Perug'ino’s expectation in re ference to this affair, he was not long in making up his mind as to the course which he should pursue. Avoid ing Orvieto where he might have been sued for the penalties on his breach of contract, he proceeded to Pe rugia where he drew the remnant of his pay for the Six- tine frescos (March 5 th 1491) at the apostolic chamber, and then went onwards to try his fortune anew at Rome. During his absence Pinturicchio together with the somewhat lazy Filippino Lippi had taken the lead as a decorator, and alternately received the commissions of Innocent the VIII th , and the Cibos, of the Borgias, and della Roveres. Perugino, for a short time, divided with him the patronage of the latter, and was employed by
