At last we came to a picture by Sodoma, the most illustrious
representative of the Sienese school. It was a fresco; Christ bound to
the pillar, after having been scourged. I do believe that painting has
never done anything better, so far as expression is concerned, than this
figure. In all these generations since it was painted it must have
softened thousands of hearts, drawn down rivers of tears, been more
effectual than a million of sermons. Really, it is a thing to stand and
weep at. No other painter has done anything that can deserve to be
compared to this.
There are some other pictures by Sodoma, among them a Judith, very noble
and admirable, and full of a profound sorrow for the deed which she has
felt it her mission to do.
Aquila Nera, October 7th.--Our lodgings in Siena had been taken only for
five days, as they were already engaged after that period; so yesterday
we returned to our old quarters at the Black Eagle.
In the forenoon J----- and I went out of one of the gates (the road from
it leads to Florence) and had a pleasant country walk.
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