[CHAPTER V.]

A warning to young artists—Professor Cambi's propositions—A financial problem: to increase gain by diminishing the means that produce it—I leave Sani's shop to have more time and liberty to study—An imitation is not so bad, but a falsification is indeed an ugly thing—The Marchesa Poldi and a casket, supposed to be an antique—How a master should be—The death of my mother, September 1840—Opinion of the Academy—The "Tipsy Bacchante"—A divided vote—The "Cariatidi" of the Rossini Theatre at Leghorn,

72

[CHAPTER VI.]

An unjust law—The "Abel"—Brina the model and I in danger of being asphyxiated—My first request—Benvenuti wishes to change the name of my Abel for that of Adonis—I invite Bartolini to decide on the name of my statue—Bartolini at my studio—His advice and corrections on the Abel—Lorenzo Bartolini—Giuseppe Sabatelli—Exhibition of the Abel—It is said to be cast from life—I ask for a small studio, but do not obtain it—My second and last request—The President Antonio Montalvo—I don't succeed somehow in doing anything as I should—I talk over matters at home—Count del Benino a true friend and true benefactor—His generous action,

89

[CHAPTER VII.]

The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia and the commission for the Cain and Abel—The Prince of Leuchtenberg and a plate of caviale at Caffè Doney—An unusual amusement that did some good—Again the generosity of Count del Benino—Bartolini's Hunchback, and in consequence a return to the Abel—Bartolini gets angry with me—Examination of the materialistic or realistic in art—Effects of the realistic—Do not have girls alone by themselves for models—Subscription got up by the Sienese to have my Abel executed in marble—A new way of curing a cough—Signora Letizia's receipt, who sent it and paid for it herself—One must never offer works gratis, for they are not accepted—The Grand Duchess Marie Antoinetta orders the "Giotto" for the Uffizi—Has Abel killed Cain?—Statue of Pius II.—A foolish opinion and impertinent answer—I defy the law that prohibits eating,

110

[CHAPTER VIII.]