All this confirms Busini, Varchi, Segni, Nardi, and Vasari in the general outlines of their reports.

I am of opinion that, unassisted by further evidence, the _Ricordo_, in spite of its date, will not bear out Gotti's view that Michelangelo sought Venice on a privy mission at the end of August 1529.

He was not likely to have been employed as ambassador extraordinary; the Signory required his services at home; and after Ferrara, Venice had little of importance to show the controller-general of defences in the way of earthworks and bastions.
IV Varchi says that Michelangelo, when he reached Venice, "wishing to avoid visits and ceremonies, of which he was the greatest enemy, and in order to live alone, according to his custom, far away from company, retired quietly to the Giudecca; but the Signory, unable to ignore the advent of so eminent a man, sent two of their first noblemen to visit him in the name of the Republic, and to offer kindly all things which either he or any persons of his train might stand in need of.

This public compliment set forth the greatness of his fame as artist, and showed in what esteem the arts are held by their magnificent and most illustrious lordships." Vasari adds that the Doge, whom he calls Gritti, gave him commission to design a bridge for the Rialto, marvellous alike in its construction and its ornament.
Meanwhile the Signory of Florence issued a decree of outlawry against thirteen citizens who had quitted the territory without leave.

It was promulgated on the 30th of September, and threatened them with extreme penalties if they failed to appear before the 8th of October.