We hear of no further intercourse
between Michael Angelo and the jovial frate. Vasari attributes their
coolness to this incident.
Hieronimo Staccoli wrote a letter in July 1537,(149) to the Duke of
Camerino, son and heir to the Duke of Urbino, about a salt-cellar designed
for him by Michael Angelo. This prince was afterwards a good friend to the
master, and his letter of September 7, 1539, informs us of the position of
affairs with regard to the Tomb of Julius during the progress of the large
painting in the Sistine:--
"DEAREST MESSER MICHAEL ANGELO,--It always has been, and now is,
more than ever our infinite desire, as you will naturally imagine,
to see the Tomb to the sainted memory of Pope Julius, my uncle,
brought to a good conclusion by you, and we know well that it
belongs to our duty to have good care of it, and see it ultimately
finished, being held to it as you so well know by that sainted
spirit: nevertheless, having heard by letters from our ambassador
at Rome the great desire of our Lord, we must comfort ourselves
with all patience whilst this said work is passed over by you. As
long as His Holiness holds you busy in finishing the picture in
the said chapel of Sisto; not being able or willing, but by our
duty and our natural inclination in this as in all things to
otherwise than comply with his wishes, we are contented to agree
with a good grace, on reflection and by the reverence we bear to
His Holiness.
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