Chap. XVI, FBANCESCO GRANACCL 539 Granacci’s devotion to Michel Angelo lasted long. He was, no doubt, one of the firmest supporters of his friend’s opinion when, in 1503, he was asked, with many others, to choose the place for the gigantic David. 1 Though he was affiliated to his guild in 1505, 2 he did not disdain to join Ridolfo, del Sarto, and the host of their companions as they copied the rival cartoons in the Papal Hall. 3 Yet he could not remain an inattentive spectator of the coming of Raphael; and there are pictures like the Holy Family, in the Casa Rucellai in which we already notice a prettiness and elegance that can only have been sug gested by the careful examination of the works of Sanzio. This tendency to fall off from his old allegiance may have been hastened by an incident which could not but cool the relations between Granacci and Michael Angelo. In 1508, it was proposed that the vaulting of the Sixtine chapel should be decorated with frescos, and Buonarotti upon whom this duty devolved, sent to Florence for as sistants, amongst whom Bugiardini and Granacci were the most prominent. Upon trial, even these were found very far from the mark by their fastidious employer, who instead of dismissing, locked the door of the chapel as well as of his own house, against them. 1 It was natural that Granacci after this rebuff should feel very greatly angered, and rather inclined to forget than to remember the lessons of a man to whom he owed much indeed, but who had treated him too rudely. Certain it is that the influence of Raphael now gained the ascendant with Granacci; and there are two very fine .“Virgins in glory”, at the Uffizi and Academy of Arts in Florence, as well as some Holy Families which fully bear out this statement. 1 Gaye, Carteggio, II. 455. 6. 2 The annotators of Vasari (IX. -22) say his name is in the books of the guild in 1504—5. The date of his receipt of the freedom is illegible in the register of the guild. Gualandi, Mem. ser. 6. p. 182. 3 Vas. XII. 179. He belonged to the club of the Cazzuola of which we shall speak. 4 Vas. XII. 190.
