[129-131]. [The] Greek [particles] [οτι], [ουν], and [δέ].
Describe the scene and action of the poem. Note the march-like and irregular movement of the verse: does it fit the theme? Why do they carry the Grammarian up from the plain? What was his work? What was his aim? What is the value of such work (1) in presenting an ideal of life, (2) in the history of culture? What circumstances in his life enhance[page 262] his praise? Did he make any mistake? Does Browning think so? How does Browning defend him? What imagery in the poem seems especially effective? Are you reminded of anything in "Rabbi Ben Ezra"? Criticise the rhymes and metre.
ANDREA DEL SARTO. (PAGE [149].)
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An Italian painter, of the Florentine school; born 1487, died 1531. His merits and defects as an artist are given in the poem. The crime to which he is here made to refer was the use, for building himself a house, of the money intrusted to him by the French king for the purchase of works of art. For an account of his life and work see the article in the Encyclopædia Britannica, and Vasari's Lives of the Painters.
[15]. [Fiesole] (pronounced [Fe-´ā-so-lě]). [A] small Italian town near Florence.
[119]. [Rafael]. The great painter, Raphael (1483-1520).
[130]. [Agnolo]. Michael Angelo (1475-1584), one of Italy's greatest men: famous as sculptor, painter, architect, and poet.
[150]. [Fontainebleau]. A town southeast of Paris, formerly the residence of French kings, and still famous for its Renaissance architecture and for the landscapes around it.
[241]. [scudi]. The scudo is an Italian silver coin worth about one dollar.