to that saint, and did some figures in S. Francesco beside the
sacristy door, which may still be discerned to-day, and are
recognisable as being by Taddeo, because he always retained the same
manner. Shortly after, in the year 1398, Biroldo, lord of Perugia,
was assassinated. Taddeo accordingly returned to Siena, where he
devoted constant work and steady application to the study of art, in
order to make himself a worthy painter. It may be affirmed that if he
did not perhaps attain his purpose, it was not on account of any
defect or negligence on his part, but solely because of an
obstructive malady which prevented him from ever realising his
desire. Taddeo died at the age of fifty-nine, after having taught the
art to a nephew of his called Domenico. His paintings were done about
the year of grace 1410. Thus, as I have said, he left Domenico
Bartoli, his nephew and pupil, who devoted himself to the art of
painting, and painted with superior skill. In the subjects which he
represented he exhibited much more wealth and variety in various
matters than his uncle had done. In the hall of the pilgrims of the
great hospital of Siena there are two large scenes in fresco by
Domenico, which contain prospectives and other ornaments, composed
with considerable ingenuity. It is said that Domenico was modest and
gentle and of a singularly amiable and liberal courtesy, which did no
less honour to his name than the art of painting itself. His works
were executed about the year of our Lord 1436, and the last were in
S. Trinita at Florence, a picture of the Annunciation and the high
altar picture in the church of the Carmine.

Alvaro di Piero of Portugal flourished at the same time, and adopted
a very similar style, but made his colouring more clear and his
figures shorter. In Volterra he did several pictures, and there is
one in S. Antonio at Pisa and others in various places, but as they
are of no great excellence it is not necessary to mention them. In
our book there is a sheet of drawings by Taddeo, containing a Christ
and two angels, etc., very skilfully executed.

Lorenzo di Bicci, Painter of Florence.

When those who excel in any honourable employment, no matter what,
unite with their skill as craftsmen, a gentleness of manners and of
good breeding, and especially courtesy, serving those who employ them
with speed and goodwill, there is no doubt that they are pursuing to
their great honour and advantage almost everything