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present in the cathedral, of Pisa; figures of such a misty vagueness in their colouring that they remind us instantly of Correggio, though graver and more contained in mien than those of Antonio generally. 1 In 1525, Andrea was employed with Bugiardini in making cartoons for the balustrade of the tribune or “ringhiera” of the Palace of the Signori at Florence, 2 but his masterpiece in that year was the lunette fresco in the cloisters of the Servi known all over the world as the Madonna del Sacco. Vasari, enraptured, says of it: “that for drawing, grace, and beauty of colour, for live liness and relief, no artist had ever done the like”; 3 and no doubt it is Andrea’s best, producing an impression of life which is only proper to works of the highest order. There is no denying that a masculine stamp is given to the youthful and thoughtful yet inspired Virgin, as well as to the form of the child. Yet, this in no wise dim inishes their grandiose effect. The centre of vision is ap propriately chosen for the high place in which the sub ject is introduced. The grouping is scientific, the at titudes are noble, the drapery admirably calculated to show off the frames, and the balance of light and shadow is perfect. The excellence which Del Sarto here attained was never surpassed, and though we have two noble spe- rence and another. This is a fine easily handled work of the master, of well fused tones. 1 These five saints are all on wood, and life size. S. John with the cross kneeling and pointing upwards (restored hy pointing); S. Catherine with a palm, S. Mar garet with a little cross, both very grand and in good attitudes; S. Peter much injured hy repainting, S. Agnes in lively action. These were all taken into the Pisa Duo- mo in 1618. Four are at the sides of the high altar; the S. Agnes on a pilaster in the transept. 2 1525. Libro’ de Stanziamenti de’ Signori, Collegi e otto di Balia e custodia dal 1521 al 1527. 1525. October 14. “Item stantiaverunt .... die i Massai e Cassieri di Camera dieno e pagliino al camarlingo -della ca mera dell’ arme fiorini venti larghi d’oro in oro, che sono per dargli et pagare a maestro Andrea d’Arri- gho (?d’Angelo) dipintore per parte del prezzo del cartone che lui fa del disegno delle spalliere della ringhiera del palazzo de’ nostri eccelsi signori, per essere quelle che di presente si adoprano consumate e guaste, e disonore- vole alia nostra cittk. Favoured by G° Milanesi, and see Vas. VIII. 287 and foil 5 . 3 Vas. VIII. 284.
