Xiv. Second Reading. Poem by Michelangelo Buonarroti
Xiv. Second Reading.
To VITTORIA COLONNA.
THE MODEL AND THE STATUE.
Se ben concetto.
When that which is divine in us doth try
To shape a face, both brain and hand unite
To give, from a mere model frail and slight,
Life to the stone by Art's free energy.
Thus too before the painter dares to ply
Paint-brush or canvas, he is wont to write
Sketches on scraps of paper, and invite
Wise minds to judge his figured history.
So, born a model rude and mean to be
Of my poor self, I gain a nobler birth,
Lady, from you, you fountain of all worth!
Each overplus and each deficiency
You will make good. What penance then is due
For my fierce heat, chastened and taught by you?
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4/19/2024 5:29:58 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Michelangelo Buonarroti - Rime 236. Se ben concetto ha la divina parte Se ben concetto ha la divina parte il volto e gli atti d’alcun, po’ di quello doppio valor con breve e vil modello dà vita a’ sassi, e non è forza d’arte. Né altrimenti in più rustiche carte,5 anz’una pronta man prenda ’l pennello, fra ’ dotti ingegni il più accorto e bello pruova e rivede, e suo storie comparte. Simil di me model di poca istima mie parto fu, per cosa alta e perfetta10 da voi rinascer po’, donna alta e degna. Se ’l poco accresce, e ’l mie superchio lima vostra mercé, qual penitenzia aspetta mie fiero ardor, se mi gastiga e ’nsegna?