There was no flagrant impropriety in Bramante's thinking that his nephew might be allowed to carry the work downward from that altitude.

The suggestion may have been that the Sistine Chapel should become a Museum of Italian art, where all painters of eminence could deposit proofs of their ability, until each square foot of wall was covered with competing masterpieces.

But when Michelangelo heard of Bramante's intrigues, he was greatly disturbed in spirit.

Having begun his task unwillingly, he now felt an equal or greater unwillingness to leave the stupendous conception of his brain unfinished.

Against all expectation of himself and others, he had achieved a decisive victory, and was placed at one stroke, Condivi says, "above the reach of envy." His hand had found its cunning for fresco as for marble.