422 THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.. Chap. XII. gio, 1 and in a Virgin and child at S. Agostino of Lucca, attributed to Zacchia. 2 The last mentioned picture is in truth so like Piero’s own in raw tinge of red colour and in aspect of figures, that little doubt can be entertained as to its genuineness. With regard to the period of exe cution, as in respect of dates connected with the ac tions and creations of Piero, the scantiest intelligence exists. So vague indeed is the prospect that a Concrete shape can only be given to Piero’s performances by re gistering a number of them in succession, the sequence of which may be guessed at, according as the technical system points to material progress or to the lapse of in tervals of time. An important, though hitherto unnoticed production in a solitary church of the Casentino, may under these cir cumstances repay attention. The subject is the Virgin and child enthroned in a landscape between the erect SS. Peter and Paul, and the kneeling Jerom and Francis. The place is the high altar of S. Pietro al Terreno near Fi gline. Whilst on the one hand we recognise the influ ence of Cosimo Rosselli’s atelier, and chiefly the system of Piero di Cosimo in the general appearance of the panel, we are reminded on the other of Mariotto’s or Bartolom meo’s early efforts by the superior character of the S. Francis, and the light gay tone and spring-freshness of the landscape. It is possible that two hands should have been put on to hasten the completion of the piece, and that one of them should be the future Dominican; pos sible also that Piero di Cosimo did it unassisted, having already taken some distinct peculiarities from his younger school-companions. Be this as it may, the Madonna of left transept, Virgin and child with two angels between SS. Bar tholomew and Nicholas of Bari, and two kneeling friars (accord ing to Fantozzi, ub. sup. by A. Pollaiuolo), pale and dim in tone. 3. Same church. 25 th chapel, in left transept, Virgin, child, and two angels, between SS. Bartholo mew and John Evangelist (manner | of Botticelli, says Fantozzi). On the step of the throne a Cruci fixion. The two latter not so good ( as the first. 1 See antea, II. 521, note 4. The picture is in the sacristy. 2 See antea, II. 521. 2.
