for the
completion of this work of the three pictures aforesaid,
provided he be assisted by the under-written painters.

"Be it therefore put to the ballot, that besides the aforesaid
Zuan Bellin in person, who will assume the superintendence of
this work, there be added Master Victor Scarpaza, with a
monthly salary of five ducats; Master Victor, son of the late
Mathio, at four ducats per month; and the painter, Hieronymo,
at two ducats per month; they rendering speedy and diligent
assistance to the aforesaid Zuan Bellin for the painting of the
pictures aforesaid, so that they be completed well and
carefully as speedily as possible. The salaries of the which
three master painters aforesaid, with the costs of colors and
other necessaries, to be defrayed by our Salt Office with the
moneys of the great chest.

"It being expressly declared that said pensioned painters be
tied and bound to work constantly and daily, so that said three
pictures may be completed as expeditiously as possible; the
artists aforesaid being pensioned at the good pleasure of this
Council.

"Ayes 23

"Noes 3

"Neutrals 0"

This decree is the more interesting to us now, because it is the
precedent to which Titian himself refers, when he first offers his
services to the Senate.

The petition which I am about to read to you, was read to the Council of
Ten, on the last day of May, 1513, and the original draft of it is yet
preserved in the Venice archives.

"'Most Illustrious Council of Ten.
"'Most Serene Prince and most Excellent Lords.

"'I, Titian of Serviete de Cadore, having from my boyhood
upwards set myself to learn the art of painting, not so much
from cupidity of gain as for the sake of endeavoring to
acquire some little fame, and of being ranked amongst those who
now profess the said art.

"'And altho heretofore, and likewise at this present, I have
been earnestly requested by the Pope and other potentates to go
and serve them, nevertheless, being anxious as your Serenity's
most faithful subject, for such I am, to leave some memorial in
this famous city; my determination is, should the Signory
approve, _to undertake, so long as I live, to come and paint in
the Grand Council with my whole soul and ability_; commencing,
provided your Serenity th