24 EARLY CHRISTIAN ART. Chap. I. the best parts are the compositions in the predella and the figures in the pilasters. A glorification of S. Bartholomew by this master is preser ved amongst a collection located in the Sala dell’ Antico Palazzo, now the Comune of S. Gimignano. 1 It bears the following inscriptions. In the hem of the Saint’s dress: “Laurentius Nicholai de Florentia pinsit,” beneath the cen tral figure: “S. Bartolommeus Apostolus, an. MCCCCI questa tavola fece fare Nicliolino di Bindo Kassuccii.” 2 A Virgin and child from the church of S. Bartolo by the same hand, 3 as well as four little pictures of S.S. Pina and Gregory with a scene from the life of each of those saints are likewise in the gallery at S. Gimignano. 4 In the passage to the Cappella Medici at S. Croce, in Florence, a Coronation of the Virgin, with attendant saints and scenes, 5 may be seen. The style is here a little better than at S.S. Gimignano and Cortona, but the hand is the same. The types are more regular and pleasing, and have more feeling. Of frescos by Lorenzo di Niccolo none are known, but his manner is to be found in a Virgin, an gels and saints in a tabernacle at S. Andrea llavezzano near l’Anchetta at no great distance from Florence. 8 At foot is the date “1400, VIII del Mese Gennaio.” This is a fair fresco of the lower Giottesque manner at the close of the fourteenth century. Lorenzo’s pictures without great excellence are not dis- agreablS to look at. He was not a bad painter amongst the third rates. His colour was warm and not without power and harmony, and his drawing bold. He was a man of 1 Enthroned. AVith 4 scenes from ' his life; at the sides a crucifixion and eight saints in the pediment. The altarpiece is No. 2 of the catalogue of a collection due to the care of the erudite and kindly Canon Pecori. 2 The altarpiece was originally in the G'ollegiata of S. Gimignano. 3 No. 4 of cat. 4 No. 10 and 11 of cat. 5 S.S. Peter, Stephen, an apostle and Mary Magdalen at side. Above, centre, the Trinity, at each side of which the angel and Virgin annunciate, the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah. A lozenge below bears the date 1410.. 6 Virgin and child between 4 angels S.S. Catherine, John the Baptist (right), Magdalen, Peter (left'. Six saints in the vaulting, of which S. Bartholomew is still recognizeable. Above arch, theSa- viour in benediction between two medallions of saints.
