ked, in competition with other masters, on the
ornamentation in wood that was formerly executed in a magnificent
manner, as has been related elsewhere, in some apartments of Pier
Francesco Borgherini; and, in particular, he painted there with his
own hand on two coffers some stories from the life of Joseph in little
figures, which were truly most beautiful. And whoever wishes to see
the best work that he ever did in all his life, in order to consider
how able and masterly was Jacopo in giving liveliness to heads, in
grouping figures, in varying attitudes, and in beauty of invention,
let him look at a scene of some size, likewise in little figures, in
the corner on the left hand as one enters through the door, in the
chamber of Borgherini, who was a nobleman of Florence; in which scene
is Joseph in Egypt, as it were a Prince or a King, in the act of
receiving his father Jacob with all his brethren, the sons of that
Jacob, with extraordinary affection. Among these figures he portrayed
at the foot of the scene, seated upon some steps, Il Bronzino, who was
then a boy and his disciple--a figure with a basket, which is lifelike
and beautiful to a marvel. And if this scene were on a greater scale,
on a large panel or a wall, instead of being small, I would venture to
say that it would not be possible to find another picture executed
with the grace, excellence, and even perfection wherewith this one was
painted by Jacopo; wherefore it was rightly regarded by all craftsmen
as the most beautiful picture that Pontormo ever executed. Nor is it
to be wondered at that Borgherini should have prized it as he did, and
should have been besought to sell it by great persons as a present for
mighty lords and princes.

[Illustration: VERTUMNUS FRESCO (DETAIL)

(_After =Jacopo da Pontormo=. Poggio a Caiano: Villa Reale_)

_Alinari_]

On account of the siege of Florence Pier Francesco retired to Lucca,
and Giovan Battista della Palla, who desired to obtain, together with
other things that he was transporting into France, the decorations of
this chamber, so that they might be presented to King Francis in the
name of the Signoria, received such favours, and went to work so
effectively with both words and deeds, that the Gonfalonier granted a
commission that they should be taken away after payment to the wife of
Pier Francesco. Whereupon some others went with Giovan Battista to
execute the will of the Signori; but, when they arrived at the ho