apel of S. Maria della Grazia; and in this
way he assisted those painters in many things, more to save his life
than for any other reason. However, the fame of his talents having
spread abroad, he executed for Count ... a vault painted in distemper,
together with some walls, all of which is held to be very beautiful
work. In like manner, he executed a courtyard in chiaroscuro for Signor
..., with some loggie, which are very beautiful, rich in ornaments, and
well painted. He also painted for S. Angelo, beside the Pescheria at
Naples, a little panel in oils, containing a Madonna and some naked
figures of souls in torment, which is held to be most beautiful, but
more for the drawing than for the colouring; and likewise some pictures
for the Chapel of the High-Altar, each with a single full-length figure,
and all executed in the same manner.

It came to pass that Polidoro, living in Naples and seeing his talents
held in little esteem, determined to take his leave of men who thought
more of a horse that could jump than of a master whose hands could give
to painted figures the appearance of life. Going on board ship,
therefore, he made his way to Messina, where, finding more consideration
and more honour, he set himself to work; and thus, working continually,
he acquired good skill and mastery in the use of colour. Thereupon he
executed many works, which are dispersed in various places; and turning
his attention to architecture, he gave proof of his worth in many
buildings that he erected. After a time, Charles V passing through
Messina on his return from victory in Tunis, Polidoro made in his honour
most beautiful triumphal arches, from which he gained vast credit and
rewards. And then this master, who was always burning with desire to
revisit Rome, which afflicts with an unceasing yearning those who have
lived there many years, when making trial of other countries, painted as
his last work in Messina a panel-picture of Christ bearing the Cross,
executed in oils with much excellence and very pleasing colour. In it he
made a number of figures accompanying Christ to His Death--soldiers,
pharisees, horses, women, children, and the Thieves in front; and he
kept firmly before his mind the consideration of how such an execution
must have been marshalled, insomuch that his nature seemed to have
striven to show its highest powers in this work, which is indeed most
excellent. After this he sought many times to shake himself free of th