Nothing but the infinite variety of human forms upon a barren stage of stone or arid earth would suit his haughty sense of beauty.

The nine persons who make up the picture are all carefully studied from the life, and bear a strong Tuscan stamp.

S.John is literally ignoble, and Christ is a commonplace child.

The Virgin Mother is a magnificent _contadina_ in the plenitude of adult womanhood.

Those, however, who follow Mr.
Ruskin in blaming Michelangelo for carelessness about the human face and head, should not fail to notice what sublime dignity and grace he has communicated to his model here.