two other Victories that
hold the head of Alexander the Great; and in the centre are the arms of
the above-named Pope, supported by Liberality and Remuneration. On the
main wall is the same Pope remunerating merit, distributing salaries,
knighthoods, benefices, pensions, bishoprics, and Cardinal's hats, and
among those who are receiving them are Sadoleto, Polo, Bembo, Contarini,
Giovio, Buonarroti, and other men of excellence, all portrayed from
life, and on that wall, within a great niche, is Grace with a horn of
plenty full of dignities, which she is pouring out upon the earth, and
the Victories that she has above her, after the likeness of the others,
support the head of the Emperor Trajan. There is also Envy, who is
devouring vipers and appears to be bursting with venom; and above, at
the top of the scene, are the arms of Cardinal Farnese, supported by
Fame and Virtue. In the other scene the same Pope Paul is seen all
intent on his buildings, and in particular on that of S. Pietro upon the
Vatican, and therefore there are kneeling before the Pope Painting,
Sculpture, and Architecture, who, having unfolded a design of the
ground-plan of that S. Pietro, are receiving orders to execute the work
and to carry it to completion. Besides these figures, there is
Resolution, who, opening the breast, lays bare the heart; with
Solicitude and Riches near. In a niche is Abundance, with two Victories
that hold the effigy of Vespasian, and in the centre, in another niche
that divides one scene from the other, is Christian Religion, with two
Victories above her that hold the head of Numa Pompilius; and the arms
that are above the scene are those of Cardinal San Giorgio, who built
that Palace. In the other scene, which is opposite to that of the
Dispatchings of the Court, is the universal peace made among Christians
by the agency of Pope Paul III, and particularly between the Emperor
Charles V and Francis, King of France, who are portrayed there;
wherefore there may be seen Peace burning arms, the Temple of Janus
being closed, and Fury in chains. Of the two great niches that are on
either side of the scene, in one is Concord, with two Victories above
her that are holding the head of the Emperor Titus, and in the other is
Charity with many children, while above the niche are two Victories
holding the head of Augustus; and over all are the arms of Charles V,
supported by Victory and Rejoicing. The whole work is full of the most
beautif