as he lived at the time when Gualtieri was in Italy, we may be permitted to believe that they were done by Cavallini, and even in obedience to orders received from the duke himself. But let every one think as best pleases him of this matter. The work, as an old work, is not undeserving of praise; and the manner, as well as common report, makes it obvious that Pietro was the artist.
In the church of Santa Maria, at Orvieto, where the most holy relic of the Corporale is preserved, Cavallini painted various events from the life of Christ, with stories of the sacred Host,[1] all executed with great care; and these he is said to have done for Messer Benedetto, son of Messer Buonconte Monaldeschi, then lord, or rather tyrant, of that city. Some affirm that Pietro also executed works in sculpture, and that he succeeded in this art extremely well; displaying, indeed, great talent in whatever he attempted. It is further said, that the crucifix, in the great church of San Paolo, without the walls of Rome, is by Cavallini;[2] and this, as is asserted, and as we are bound to believe, is the very crucifix which spoke to St. Bridget in the year 1370.[3]
There were certain other works, in the same manner, by this artist, in the church of St. Peter, but all were destroyed when the old building was demolished, to make way for the new church. Pietro Cavallini was diligent and careful in all his undertakings; he spared no effort for the acquirement of honour and fame as an artist; he was, moreover, a good man and devout Christian, most charitable to the poor, and much beloved for his excellence, not only in his native city of Rome, but by all who knew either himself or his works. In the latter years of his life he devoted himself so earnestly to religion, and lived so exemplary a life, that he was esteemed almost a saint. Therefore it need cause no wonder if the above-named crucifix, made by his hand, uttered words, as it is said to have done to St. Bridget, or that a figure of our Lady, also by him, should have performed, and
- ↑ Including the miracle of Bolseno; but this portion has suffered greatly, while the rest is still in good preservation.
- ↑ Pistolesi maintains that a crucifix in wood, still to be seen in this church, is from the hand of Cavallini.
- ↑ This highly venerated crucifix is ascribed to Pietro Cavallini by the Abate Titi also, who supports his opinion by a quotation from Alberti.—Trattato della Pittura.
