FAÇADE OF SAN BERNARDINO.
The detail of this façade is even more beautiful than we had expected; the colour of its rosy marbles and terra-cotta adds warmth to the exquisite sculptures. These seemed to us finer, both in design and execution, than any Della Robbia work we had seen. We were glad to find this opinion endorsed by Mr. Perkins in his Tuscan Sculptors. The façade is the work of Agostino Ducci or Gucci, of Florence.
ANGEL, SAN BERNARDINO.
A circular arch, almost as wide as the façade, surmounts two square-headed entrance doors; these are surrounded by delicately carved ornament in low relief. Above the door is a frieze, on which are represented events in the life of San Bernardino; over it, in the centre of the tympanum, which is deeply recessed within the arch, is a Vesica, formed by tongues of flame containing a figure of the saint, said to be the best existing likeness of him. Four flying angels placed diagonally on either side of the Vesica seem to float as they offer their musical sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Six of them are playing various instruments; the expression in each countenance is varied. Some of the faces are very lovely, especially the two praying with uplifted heads; the others seem to be chanting hymns of praise to the music of their respective instruments. The disposition of the angels' robes is perfect; its studied grace reminded us of Lord Leighton's drapery, the whole effect being as artistic as it is original.
HEADS OF CHERUBIM, SAN BERNARDINO.
Filling up the rest of the tympanum, so as to make a background to the angels, there are the quaintest heads of cherubs cradled in lovely wings, carved in full relief. Some of these heads are missing, but those which remain are exquisite studies of baby faces, each with its own special expression, some roguish, others sweet and loving; one of them seems to suppress a sob. There is infinite variety among them; and all are so very human that they are doubtless transcripts from fifteenth-century Perugian babies.