picture representing the last supper that Jesus took
with His disciples in the house of Simon.

_Q._ Where is this picture?

_A._ In the refectory of the Friars of SS. Giovanni and Paolo.

_Q._ In this supper of Our Lord, have you painted any attendants?

_A._ Yes, my lord.

_Q._ Say how many attendants, and what each is doing.

_A._ First, the master of the house, Simon; besides, I have placed
below him a server, who I have supposed to have come for his own
amusement to see the arrangement of the table. There are besides
several others, which, as there are many figures in the picture, I
do not recollect.

_Q._ What is the meaning of those men dressed in the German fashion
each with a halbert in his hand?

_A._ It is now necessary that I should say a few words.

_The Court._ Say on.

_A._ We painters take the same license that is permitted to poets
and jesters. I have placed these two halberdiers--the one eating,
the other drinking--by the staircase, to be supposed ready to
perform any duty that may be required of them; it appearing to me
quite fitting that the master of such a house, who was rich and
great (as I have been told), should have such attendants.

_Q._ That fellow dressed like a buffoon, with the parrot on his
wrist,--for what purpose is _he_ introduced into the canvas?

_A._ For ornament, as is usually done.

_Q._ At the table of the Lord whom have you placed?

_A._ The twelve Apostles.

_Q._ What is St. Peter doing, who is the first?

_A._ He is cutting up a lamb, to send to the other end of the
table.

_Q._ What is he doing who is next to him?

_A._ He is holding a plate to receive what St. Peter will give him.

_Q._ Tell us what he is doing who is next to this last?

_A._ He is using a fork as a tooth-pick.

_Q._ Who do you really think were present at that supper?

_A._ I believe Christ and His Apostles were present; but in the
foreground of the picture I have placed figures for ornament, of my
own invention.

_Q._ Were you commissioned by any person to paint Germans and
buffoons, and such-like things in this picture?

_A._ No, my lord; my commission was to ornament the picture as I
judged best, which, being large, requires many figures, as it
appears to me.

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