Michael Angelo'S Vow

Cardinal Farnesina engaged Raphael to decorate the Farnesian mansion on the banks of the Tiber.

Raphael agreed to undertake the work on condition that no one should be allowed to inspect it until it was completed. Much curiosity was excited by this secrecy, and the following story has been current: Michael Angelo determined to gain access to the mansion, and took an oath that he would put a stop to Raphael's work.

With this end in view, having found that Raphael came late to work, he disguised himself as a vender of wine and biscuit, and started toward the palace crying his wares.

Going in and out among the workmen who were employed about the palace, he soon found the scaffolding and wall made ready for the painter.

After engaging the attention of the men with the wine and biscuit, he ascended the scaffolding, and drew upon the wall a gigantic head of Jupiter, then hurriedly left the building: his vow was accomplished. When Raphael came, he instantly exclaimed, upon seeing the head, "Michael Angelo!" and left the palace, never to return. The drawing, covered with glass, is still on exhibition in the Farnesian Palace. [Of course, this story is not now credited.]