Volltext Seite (XML)
Chap. XVIII. SANDRO BOTTICELLI. 415 purely religious feeling peculiar to the convent, and ex haust the practise of filling large wall - spaces in the old tempera manner. He was in a position to profit by the varying success or failure of men whose efforts were di rected towards innovation in the use of mediums and ve hicles. He enjoyed the fruits gathered with labour by conscientious students of perspective; and felt the influence of those who combined the experience of plastic and pic torial science. He personified the condition of the art of his time, and being of an impetuous character, embodied most of its defects with some of its qualities. We can understand the consideration in which he was held, when we hear Vasari say, 1 that he was the best master in Flor ence, at the death of Fra Filippo. We can conceive that such an opinion might be held in the earlier period of Botticelli’s career, when Domenico Ghirlandaio had not as yet enjoyed the full expanse of his power; though, even then, it would have been difficult to assign the palm to one more than to the other. In 1480, Botticelli painted a S. Au gustin in fresco at Ognissanti, and spent upon it the vigour of conception and boldness of hand which jwere characteristic of his style. But his skill is marred by coarseness akin to that of Andrea del Castagno. Domenico Ghirlandaio competed with him in a figure of S. Jerorn, which seems cold and somewhat motionless in contrast, but which is impregnated with more nobleness and decorum. Vasari who could appreciate technical skill might for that reason prefer the work of Botticelli to that of his rival, but we look in vain for the deep expression of thought and sub tlety which the biographer discovers and praises. 2 Botticelli was just past the age of twenty two when Fra Filippo died. 3 We may assign to the immediately succeeding time some circular pictures bearing the impress of the friar’s influence, in conception and spirit, in cha racter and action. Still fresh, as it were, from reminis- 1 Vol. IV. p. 129. 3 He died as has been seen in 2 Vas. Vol. V. p. 112. Alber- 1469.
