subjected to a rigid examination by Professor Michele Ridolfi, who discovered that according to a practise not uncommon in past times, the head of the principal figure was on a lower panel, whilst the rest was painted on another, superposed. 1 This later addition having been removed, a standing figure was laid bare, of S. Francis, holding a book and showing the Stigmata, with two archan gels at his shoulders, and six incidents of his life in a triple course of panels at his sides. Beneath his feet were the following lines: A. D. M.CCXXXV. Bonavetura Berligheri de Lu.... S. Francis was of a long form, in cowl, frock and cord. His shaven head, of regular shape, was of a lean and bony form, with sharp features and a wrinkled brow, and supported on a very thin neck. The figure seemed to hang in air with a pair of very ugly feet pointing downwards. The flesh tints were of a bronzed yellow, with green shadows stippled in black, and broadly defined by dark outlines, the lights marked by streaks of white. The execution was perhaps more careful and the idea of rotundity less feebly conveyed than in the crucifix of Santa Giuglia, but the method was the same in both. The drapery of the frock, being all of one colour, was indicated by lines. 2 The angels, mere half figures with embroidered dresses in the old motionless style, and the episodes of the Saint’s life were rendered with childish simplicity, coloured in sharply contrasted keys of colour. There was indeed in the resolute intention of conveying the subjects 'Canonico Telesforo Bini lib. sup. p.p. 18. 19. 2 The picture is on gold ground, S. Francis over life-size. At Mo dena in possession of CountMonte- cuculi is a picture of S. Francis inscribed: Bonaventura Berlingeri me pinxit de Lucca. AD. M. CC.XXX.V. Painted in oil on can vass it is a copy and the signa ture a forgery. Yet there is a J very pretty quarrel of pamphlets respecting its originality. See the Marquis Campori’s sensible remarks on this subject. (Gli artisti Italiani e Stranieri negli stati Estensi. 8°. Mo dena 1855. p. 86.) The picture of Count Montecuculi is from the castle or Rocca of Guiglia. See alsoLanzi. Roscoe’s tr".Boh n. Vol. II. p. 343. 1847. and Vol. I. p. 37.