n, with the Apostles standing in contemplation of Him. For the
Church of S. Giorgio, a seat of the Monks of Monte Oliveto, without the
city, he painted an altar-piece in oils of the Magi adoring Christ and
offering to Him myrrh, incense, and gold; and this is one of the best
works that Benvenuto ever executed in all his life.

All these works much pleased the people of Ferrara, by reason of which
he executed pictures almost without number for their houses, and many
others for monasteries and for the townships and villas round about the
city; and, among others, he painted the Resurrection of Christ in an
altar-piece for Bondeno. And, finally, he executed in fresco with
beautiful and fantastic invention, in the Refectory of S. Andrea, many
figures that are bringing the Old Testament into accord with the New.
But, since the works of this master are numberless, let it be enough to
have spoken of those that are the best.

Girolamo da Carpi having received his first instructions in painting
from Benvenuto, as will be related in his Life, they painted in company
the facade of the house of the Muzzarelli, in the Borgo Nuovo, partly in
chiaroscuro and partly in colours, with some things done in imitation of
bronze. They painted together, likewise, both within and without, the
Palace of Coppara, a place of recreation belonging to the Duke of
Ferrara; for which lord Benvenuto executed many other works, both by
himself and in company with other painters.

Then, having lived a long time in the determination that he would not
take a wife, in the end, after separating from his brother and growing
weary of living alone, at the age of forty-eight he took one; but he had
scarcely had her a year, when, falling grievously ill, he lost the sight
of his right eye, and was in fear and peril of the other. However,
having recommended himself to God and made a vow that he would always
dress in grey, as he afterwards did, by the grace of God he preserved
the sight of the other eye, insomuch that the works executed by him at
the age of sixty-five were so well done, and with such diligence and
finish, that it was a marvel. Wherefore on one occasion, when the Duke
of Ferrara showed to Pope Paul III a Triumph of Bacchus in oils, five
braccia in length, and the Calumny of Apelles, painted by Benvenuto at
that age after the designs of Raffaello da Urbino, which pictures are
now over certain chimney-pieces belonging to his Excellency, that
Pontiff was