to execute the work in
imitation of the old sacristy that Filippo Brunelleschi had built, but
with another manner of ornamentation, he made in it an ornamentation
in a composite order, in a more varied and more original manner than
any other master at any time, whether ancient or modern, had been able
to achieve, for in the novelty of the beautiful cornices, capitals,
bases, doors, tabernacles, and tombs, he departed not a little from
the work regulated by measure, order, and rule, which other men did
according to a common use and after Vitruvius and the antiquities, to
which he would not conform. That licence has done much to give courage
to those who have seen his methods to set themselves to imitate him,
and new fantasies have since been seen which have more of the
grotesque than of reason or rule in their ornamentation. Wherefore the
craftsmen owe him an infinite and everlasting obligation, he having
broken the bonds and chains by reason of which they had always
followed a beaten path in the execution of their works. And even more
did he demonstrate and seek to make known such a method afterwards in
the library of S. Lorenzo, at the same place; in the beautiful
distribution of the windows, in the pattern of the ceiling, and in the
marvellous entrance of the vestibule. Nor was there ever seen a more
resolute grace, both in the whole and in the parts, as in the
consoles, tabernacles, and cornices, nor any staircase more
commodious; in which last he made such bizarre breaks in the outlines
of the steps, and departed so much from the common use of others, that
everyone was amazed.

[Illustration: GIULIANO DE' MEDICI

(_After =Michelagnolo=. Florence: New Sacristy of S. Lorenzo_)

_Anderson_]

At this time he sent his disciple Pietro Urbano of Pistoia to Rome to
carry to completion a nude Christ holding the Cross, a most admirable
figure, which was placed beside the principal chapel of the Minerva,
at the commission of Messer Antonio Metelli. About the same time there
took place the sack of Rome and the expulsion of the Medici from
Florence; by reason of which upheaval those who governed the city of
Florence resolved to rebuild the fortifications, and therefore made
Michelagnolo Commissary General over all that work. Whereupon he made
designs and caused fortifications to be built for several parts of the
city, and finally encircled the hill of San Miniato with bastions,
which he made not with sods of earth, wood, a