Appendix 1—
Grimaldi Chapel Documents
Many of the translations that follow the original documents in the appendixes are intentionally literal and archaic in order to retain the flavor of the original. For the abbreviations used in the source notes for the documents, see the list at the beginning of the notes.
A—
Contract
ASG, Notaio Giacomo Ligalupo, 1579 2°, filza 14 (24 July 1579).
Promissio
In nomine Domini amen. Dominus Ioannes Bologna, scultor Ser.mi magni Ducis Etrurie, sponte etc. et omni modo etc. promissit et promittit magnifico domino Luce de Grimaldis, filio quondam Francisci, presenti et acceptanti etc., facere construere et fabricare in civitate Florentie infrascripta laboreria pro dicto magnifico domino Luca et eius nomine, videlicet: sex statuas eneas scilicet Fidei, Spei, Caritatis, Iusticie, Fortitudinis et Prudentie, que statue esse debeant altitudinis palmorum septem pro qualibet statua et habeant in qualibet parte suam debitam proportionem, pro pretio scutorum tricentorum quinquaginta de libris quatuor monete Genue singulo scuto pro qualibet statua, et in summa pro pretio scutorum duorum millium centum de libris quatuor singulo scuto.
Item sex tabulas aeneas, super quibus sit impressa Passio Domini nostri Iesu Christi, figuris quas appellant di basso rilievo, repartita hoc modo, videlicet: in una quando ductus fuit ad Pilatum, in alia quando fuit flagellatus ad collumnam, in alia quando imposuerunt ei coronam spineam, in alia quando pre-
sentaverunt eum populo dicendo Ecce Homo, in alio quando Pilatus lavit manus coram populo, et in alio quando Dominus noster portabat crucem. Que sex tabule sint et esse debeant altitudinis palmorum duorum cum dimidio, et latitudinis palmorum trium, et ipsas sex tabulas pro pretio scutorum centum octoaginta singula tabula, et in summa scutorum mille octoaginta de libris quatuor singulo scuto.
Item sex statuas aeneas angelorum nudorum cum eorum alis, pro illis apponendis super frontispicia trium tabullarum picture, que esse debeant altitudinis palmorum quatuor in circa, pro pretio scutorum centum sexaginta similium singula statua angeli et in summa scutorum noningentorum sexaginta.
Item tres epitaphios aeneos cum eorum ornamentis prout melius dicto domino Ioanni videbitur, pro illis apponendis sub icona et sub duobus quadris picture ab utroque latere altaris, pro pretio scutorum viginti singulo et in summa scutorum sexaginta similium.
Et ipsa omnia laboreria statuarum, tabularum, angelorum et aliorum predictorum facere de illa pulchriori qualitate aeris coloris aurei et illiusmet qualitatis cuius est statua aenea raptus mulieris Sabine, quam dictus dominus Iohannes transmissit Ser.mo Duci Parme et Placentie, et omnia quidem expolite et diligenter quam fieri possunt et in ipsis adhibere omnem eius scientiam, artem, curam, studium et diligentiam, et ea facere, finire et perficere intra annos quinque proxime venturos, salvo tamen iusto et legitimo impedimento quatenus a prefato Ser.mo magno Duce Etrurie sibi non mandaretur in contrarium.
Et que omnia pretia omnium predictorum laboreriorum, que in totum ascendunt ad summam sevtorum quatuor millium ducentorum de libris quatuor monete Genue singulo scuto, dictus magnificus dominus Lucas solvere promissit et promittit dicto Ioanni in hunc modum, videlicet: scutos sexcentum similes semper et quando dictus dominus Ioannes appulerit in civitatem Florentie ad omnem eiusdem domini Ioannis voluntatem et simplicem requisitionem, ad hoc ut ex eis possit dictus dominus Ioannes emere aes et alia neccessaria pro faciendo dicto opere. Residuum vero dicti pretii dictus magnificus dominus Lucas solvere promittit in dies, ad ratam laboreriorum per eum faciendorum indicio magnifici Bartolomei de Furnariis nunc existentis Florentie, vel alterius nominandi per dictum magnificum dominum Lucam, omni exceptione etc. Declarato tamen quod ante exbursationem alicuius partis dictorum pretiorum seu in actu ipsius exbursationis, teneatur dictus Ioannes prestare fideiussionem seu fideiussiones in satisfactione ipsius magnifici domini Luce vel dicti magnifici domini Bartolomei seu alterius nominandi seu eligendi a dicto magnifico domino Luca, pro summa seu summis que eidem Ioanni solventur ad computum dicti pretii, qui fideiussores sese obligent pro observatione presentis contractus quantum pro summa pro qua sibi solvetur, quia ita etc.
Acto pacto etc. quod postquam erunt finite dicte statue, tabule et alia predicta et quodlibet predictorum, dictus dominus Ioannes teneatur ea consignare
Florentie cui mandabit dictus dominus Lucas. Ceterum omnes expense que fieri continget tam in apponendis dictis laboreriis in capsiis quam in illis expediendis et transmittendis sint oneri dicti magnifici domini Luce, ita ut dictus dominus Ioannes ad aliud non teneatur preter ad consignationem ipsarum in dicta civitate Florentie ad ordinem ut supra: intellecto semper quod omnia dicta laboreria consignentur bene finita, perfecta et expolita, omni adhibita diligentia ut supra, quia ita etc. Que omnia etc. promiserunt etc. iuraverunt etc. habere rata etc. sub pena dupli etc. et cum restitutione etc. Rat[hisficavit] etc. Proinde etc. Renuntiantes etc. De quibus omnibus etc. per me Iacobum Ligalupum notarium.
Actum Genue, in una ex cameris sale domus habitationis diti magnifici domini Luce, site in contrata Peliparie, anno a Nativitate Domini millesimo quingentesimo septuagesimo nono, indictione sexta secundum Genue morem, die Veneris XXIIII iulii in vesperis, presentibus domino Luca Cambiasio pictore et Baldassare Morovilla quondam domini Martini, cive Leodiense et Lucense, testibus ad premissa vocatis specialiter et rogatis.
Promissory
In the name of the Lord, Amen. Lord Giovanni Bologna, sculptor of the Most Serene Grand Duke of Tuscany, voluntarily, etc., and in every way, etc., promised and does promise to create, construct, and fashion, in the city of Florence, the works named below for and in the name of the magnificent Lord Luca Grimaldi, son of the late Francesco, patron and recipient, etc., namely, six bronze statues, to wit, of Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, Fortitude, and Prudence, which must be of the height of 7 palms each and must have in each of their parts the necessary proportions, for the price of 350 scudi at 4 lire of Genoese coin per scudo for each statue, in sum, for the price of 2,100 scudi at 4 lire per scudo.
Likewise, [he promises to make] six bronze panels on which the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is sculpted in figures they call bas-relief, and divided into the following scenes, to wit: one when he was led before Pilate, another when he was scourged at the column, another when they placed the thorny crown on him, another when they presented him to the people saying "Ecce Homo," another when Pilate washed his hands before the people, and another when Our Lord was carrying the cross. These six panels should and must be 2 1/2 palms high and 3 palms wide. And these same panels [are to be done] for a price of 180 scudi per panel, in sum 1,080 scudi at 4 lire per scudo.
Likewise [he promises to make] six bronze statues of nude, winged angels [which] are to be added above the frontispieces of the three panels of the painting and must be around 4 palms high, for the price of 160 similar scudi for each statue of an angel, in sum, 960 scudi.
Likewise [he promises to make] three bronze epitaphs with their ornaments as will seem best to the aforementioned Lord Giovanni, to be added under the icon and at the two corners of the painting at each side of the altar, for a price of 20 scudi each, in sum, 60 similar scudi.
Likewise [he promises] to create all these works, of statues, panels, angels, and other things mentioned, out of that more beautiful quality of gilded bronze, and of the same quality as the bronze statue of the rape of the Sabine woman that the aforementioned Lord Giovanni sent to the Most Serene Duke of Parma and Piacenza, and, to be sure, all as diligently and smoothly polished as possible, and to apply to them all of his knowledge, skill, care, zeal, and diligence, and to finish and complete them within the next five years, provided that in the interval nothing is entrusted to him to the contrary by the aforementioned Most Serene Grand Duke of Tuscany [that constitutes] a proper and legitimate hindrance.
And all these prices for all the aforementioned works, which in all amount to the sum of 4,200 scudi at 4 lire of Genoese coin per scudo, the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca promised and does promise to pay to the aforesaid Giovanni in the following way, namely 600 similar scudi each time Giovanni arrives in the city of Florence, in accordance with every wish and simple request of the same Lord Giovanni for the purpose of buying these and other necessary things for the making of the aforementioned work[s] from these payments.
But the remainder of the aforementioned price the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca promises to pay daily, according to the rate of the work that is to be done by him in accordance with the judgment of the magnificent Bartolomeo Fornari, now living in Florence, or of another person to be named by the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca, with every limitation, etc. This having been declared, nevertheless [there is the further requirement] that before the disbursement of any part of the aforementioned price, or in the actual disbursement of it, let the aforementioned Giovanni be obliged to present surety or sureties to the satisfaction of the aforementioned Lord Luca or to the aforementioned magnificent Lord Bartolomeo or to another person named or chosen by the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca, for the sum or sums that are being paid to the same Giovanni, to the total of the aforementioned price that the sureties oblige themselves to do, in observance of this present contract, inasmuch as thus, etc.
The contract having been performed, etc., [there is the further requirement] that after the aforementioned statues, panels, the other things and whatever of the aforementioned have been finished, the aforementioned Giovanni is obliged to have them delivered to Florence to whomever the aforementioned Lord Luca will commission. But all expenses that will happen to accrue both in the placement of the aforementioned works in repositories and in arranging
and dispatching them, let these be the burden of the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca, so that Lord Giovanni is not obligated to anything beyond the delivery of them to the aforementioned city of Florence as required above. Let it be understood continually that all the aforementioned works will be delivered well finished and polished with all diligence as [required] above, because thus, etc., all these things, etc., they promised, etc., they swore, etc. to have fulfilled, etc., under double penalty, etc., and with restitution, etc. Henceforth, etc., giving notice, etc., concerning all these things, etc., by me, Iacopo Ligalupo, Notary.
Negotiated at Genoa, in one of the chamber rooms of the living establishment of the aforementioned magnificent Lord Luca, situated on Pellicceria Street, in the year 1579, from the birth of Our Lord, in the sixth indiction according to the Genoese fashion, on Friday, 24 July, in the evening, in the presence of witnesses especially summoned and convoked as witnesses to the premised [information], Luca Cambiaso, painter, and Balthasar Morvill, the son of the late Lord Martino, citizen of Leiden and Lucca.
B—
Letters Between Francesco De' Medici and the Genoese Government
ASF, Mediceo, 2836 (Lettere della Repubblica di Genova, 1541–1621), no pagination.
Serenissimo Signor
Si bisognerìa in questa città dell'industria et della presenza di Giovan Bologna scultore et architetto di Vostra Altezza, per qualche pochi giorni, et perché sappiamo per isperienza quanto la sia inclinata a favorirci, non habbiam voluto mancare di significarglielo. Et però la preghiamo a farci gratia di dar licenza al detto Giovanni che puossi venire qua et stàrci per quindeci giorni, che noi sentendone molto obligo all'Altezza Vostra l'aggiungeremo agl'altri che le habbiamo, et le basciamo le mani.
Di Genova a'VIII di Maggio del MDLXXVIIII.
A' serviggi di Vostra Altezza
Il Duce e Governatori della republica di Genova
vidit Antonio Iofredus Spinola
Al Ser.mo Sig.or il Sig.or
Gran Duca di Toscana
Most Serene Lord
We have need in this city of the ingenuity and presence of Giovanni Bologna, sculptor and architect of Your Highness, for a few days, and because we know from experience how much you are inclined to favor us, we have not hesitated to make this known to you. Therefore we beg you to do us the favor of giving permission to said Giovanni Bologna to come here and stay a fortnight, for which we feel very obliged to Your Highness and which we add to all of the other favors, and we kiss your hands.
From Genoa, 8 May 1579
At the service of Your Highness
The Duke and Governors of the Republic of Genoa
Witnessed by Antonio Giofreddi Spinola
To the Most Serene Lord
Grand Duke of Tuscany
ASF, Mediceo, 250 (Registro di lettere del Granduca, 1578–79), fol. 142r.
Alla Signorìa di Genova
de' 26 detto [May 1579]
Ill.mi et Ecc.mi Sig.ri
Giovambologna mio scultore et architetto ha fra mano alcune cose mie, le quali però doverà haver finite fra pochi giorni, et allhora per compiacerne l'eccellenze vostre con il mio desiderio di gratificarle et far loro servitio dovunque io possa, gli concederò il venir da loro et il servirle per quindici giorni, che poi è necessario che torni, stando l'opera sua del continuo impiegata in miei lavori et occorrentie. E con questo m'offero et raccomando ben di cuore all' Eccellenze Vostre e desidero loro ogni prosperità.
Da Fiorenza alli 26 di Maggio 1579.
Per servir Vostre Ecc.mo El Gran Duca di Tna
To the Signoria of Genoa
26 of said (May 1579)
Illustrious and Most Excellent Lords
Giovanni Bologna, my sculptor and architect, has in hand some things of mine, which, however, he should have finished in a few days, and then to please Your Excellencies with my desire to win your favor and serve you in any way I can, I will permit him to come to you to serve you for a fortnight, after which it is necessary that he return, given that he continually has work of mine to occupy him. And with this I offer with all my heart and convey to Your Excellencies every good wish and success.
From Florence, 26 May 1579
To serve Your Highest Excellency the Grand Duke of Tuscany
ASF, Mediceo, 253 (Registro di lettere del Granduca, 1579–80), fol. 10r-v.
Alla Signorìa di Genova,
detto di[*] [10 June 1579]
Ill.mi et Ecc.mi Sig.ri
Maestro Giovan Bologna se ne viene per servir l'Eccellenze Vostre conforme al loro desiderio per quei XV giorni, et oltr'a quel che farebbe per se stesso, tiene anco comandamento da me di servirle con ogni affetione e diligenza maggiore, e mi prometto che elle habbino a restare sodisfatte dell'opera e della virtù sua. Egli ha seco un Baldassarre Morvill fiammingo, suo compatriotta, che desidererebbe in una sua causa costà giustitia sommaria, et espedita, però lo raccomando strettamente all'Eccellenze Vostre et voglio saper loro grado molto accetto d'ogni favore et giusto aiuto che gli faranno porgere per la sua speditione.
Da Fiorenza el di X di Giugno, 1579.
Per servir Vostre Ecc.me
El Gran Duca di Tna
To the Signoria of Genoa,
said day (10 June 1579)
Most Illustrious and Excellent Lords
Master Giovanni Bologna comes to you to serve Your Excellencies, according
to your request, for a fortnight, and other than that which he will do himself, he has my instructions to serve you devotedly and most diligently and promises me that you will be satisfied with his work and his virtù . He has with him Balthasar Morvill, a Fleming, his countryman, whom he would like to have there so that all will be conducted in complete fairness. Therefore I recommend him absolutely to Your Excellencies, and I will be most grateful for every favor and proper assistance that you can provide for their expedition.
From Florence, 10 June 1579
To serve Your Excellency the Grand Duke of Tuscany
ASF, Mediceo, 2836 (Lettere della Repubblica di Genova, 1541–1621), no pagination.
Serenissimo Signor
Giovanni Bologna scultore, di cui li giorni passati Vostra Altezza ci fece gratia, venne et ha sodisfatti benissimo a quello che si desiderava. Ma sopravenendo il bisogno dell'industria et giudicio suo sopra certe capelle che si fabricano, si è trattenuto un poco più di quello che si credeva, ancorchè l'opera ricercassi per qualche tempo di più la sua presenza per certi adornamenti o figure di bronzo che vi bisognano. Hora egli se ne ritorna, et però ringratiando Vostra Altezza del favore, la preghiamo ad havere per iscusato il sodetto Giovanni del tempo trascorso, et insieme concederli che puossi comandare o dar ordine a quelle figure o adornamenti di bronzo che si han da fare per compimento delle capelle. Et con questo fine si raccomandiamo all'Altezza Vostra et le preghiamo felicità.
Di Genova a' XXVII di luglio del MDLXXVIIII.
A' serviggi di Vostra Altezza
Il Duce e Governatori della republica di Genova
vidit Antonio Octavianus d'Oria
[address]
Al Ser.mo Sig.or il Sig.or Gran Duca di Toscana, Firenze
Most Serene Lord
Giovanni Bologna, sculptor, whom Your Highness permitted us to have during these recent days, came and satisfied very well what was desired. But unexpect-
edly the need arose for his ingenuity and advice about certain chapels that we are building, so he stayed a bit longer than originally planned; even the work originally requested for certain decorations or bronze figures required him to stay longer. Now he returns home, and therefore, thanking Your Highness for the favor, we beg you to excuse the said Giovanni for the extra time, and at the same time to permit him to direct and order those figures and decorations of bronze which he has to do to finish the chapels. And with this conclusion we salute Your Highness and convey our good wishes.
From Genoa, 27 July 1579
At the service of Your Highness
The Duke and Governors of the Republic of Genoa
Witnessed by Antonio Octavio D'Oria
(address)
To the Most Serene Lord the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Florence
C—
Order and Letter Relating to Luca Grimaldi's Mission to Duke Francescoi De' Medici in 1577
ASG, Instructiones et relationes, 2707 D, no. 81 (text written on outside), and no. 80 (copies inside of the credential for the grand duke and the instruction given Luca Grimaldi for the mission to Florence; text of the instruction is given below [with my ellipses]).
[outside ]
"+1577 die 13 Iunii. Expeditio nobilis Luce Grimaldi missi ad Magnum Ducem Hetrurie Gaudii officium functuri ob natalem diem Ser.mi Principis"
[inside ]
Duce Governatori et procuratori dela Republica di Genova
Mag.co nostro gentilhomo. Il gran Duca di Thoscana ha fatto compimento di ralegrarsi con noi per la natività del Principe suo figlolo col mezo di un gentilhomo mandato a questo effetto, et noi habbiamo deliberato di fare con sua Altezza il medesimo . . . [L]a somma della vostra legatione è il ralegrarsi in nome nostro della natività del principe et di mostrarne quella contentezza che si conviene all'amicitia et buona intelligenza che è tra la nostra Republica et il gran Duca. . . . Visitarete ancora la gran Duchessa . . . [S]e vi fosse l'Ill.mo Car.le
Medici o altre persone di conto non mandrarete di far con loro quel compimento di visite che si conviene . . . [D]al nostro Ducal Palazzo a' XIII di Giugno 1577.
(outside )
"13 June 1577. Mission of the nobleman Luca Grimaldi sent to the Grand Duke of Tuscany to congratulate him on the birth of the Most Serene Prince"
(inside )
Duke, Governors, and Procurators of the Republic of Genoa
Our magnificent Gentleman. The Grand Duke of Tuscany has done us the favor of sharing the joyful news of the birth of his son the Prince through the offices of a gentleman sent for this purpose, and we have decided to do the same for His Highness. . . . The purpose of your mission is to convey our heartfelt congratulations on the birth of the Prince and to express to him the satisfaction that comes from the friendship and good understanding that exist between our Republic and the Grand Duke. . . . Pay a call also on the Grand Duchess. . . . If the Most Illustrious Carlo de' Medici or other persons of note are there, do not neglect paying our respects if it is convenient. . . .
From our ducal palace, 13 June 1577
ASG, Litterarum, 1969, 12.
[outside ]
All'Ecc.mo et Ill.mi sig.r li sig.ri Duce, Govern.ri , Procur.ri dell'Ecc.ma Rep.ca di
Genova [miei] oss.mi
[inside ]
Ecc.mo et Ill.mi sig.ri padroni miei osservandissimi
Arrivai qui sabato matino, dove non trovai il Gran Duca ch'er'andato a Pratolino. Ritornò a me 22'hora di notte ché più tosto non intese della venuta mia dal suo maggiordomo al quale subito si era fatto sapere perché gliene avisasse. Et perché l'Ambasc.re di Savoia era gionto venerdi[*] et havea di già fatto domandare udienza, si hebbe risposta di darla la domenica matina a esso, et il dopo desinare a me, come seguì, havendomi mandato il detto maggiordomo a levare di casa et accompagnatomi a Palazzo.
S. Altezza mi fece gratissime accoglienze; gli esposi quanto da V. Ecc.za et Sig.rie Ill.me mi fu ordinato. Li è stato sommamente caro questo segno di allegrezza, havendo mostrato in molti ragionamenti c'ha passato rurco, ogni volontà et dispositione d'animo di buona corrispondenza in tutte le occasioni che si offerissero, come di presenza più a pieno farò rellatione a V.S.rie Ill.me Non possendo pero'[*] tacerle che per esser stato scritto dal S.r Ciro Alidosio che costì non si è tenuto quel conto di lui che desiderava (secondo si è potuto investigare) è stato cagione di farne pattire a me, che non sono stato alogiato in Palazzo, come S. Alt. suole fare et ha fatto all' Ambasc.re di Savoia. Sono in casa di messer Bartolomeo Fornari, che mi ha ricevuto con ogni prontezza d'animo, facendomi insieme gli honori et carezze quanto più potrei dire. Al tardi poi visitai la Ser.ma Gran Duchessa, dalla quale medesimamente sono stato visto molto volentieri et havuto risposte di gran cortesia, si come ha fatto il Sig.r Don Pietro che vengo hora da visitare.
Domani farò domandare udienza per licentiarmi, et poì me ne ritornarò a dar conto a V.S.rie Ill.me , alle quali desiderando ognì felicità et argumento di maggiore stato, bacio con riverenza le mani. Di Firenze li XXIII di[*] Giugno 1577.
D.V. Ecc.za et Sig.rie Ill.me
Servitor obedientissimo
Luca Grimaldo
(outside )
To the Most Excellent and Illustrious Gentlemen the Duke, Governors, and Procurators of the Most Excellent Republic of Genoa
(inside )
Most Excellent and Illustrious Gentlemen, my most worthy masters
I arrived here Saturday morning, where I did not find the Grand Duke, who had gone to Pratolino. He returned to me at eleven o'clock at night, perhaps because he did not know of my arrival, even though I had advised his butler of it as soon as I arrived. And because the Ambassador of Savoy had come Friday and had already asked for an audience, which he [the grand duke] was disposed to give him Sunday morning, after dining [that is at noon on Sunday] the Duke met with me, having sent the butler to pick me up and accompany me to the palace.
His Highness welcomed me most graciously; I conveyed to him everything in accordance with the orders given me by you, most Excellent and Illustrious Gentlemen. To him this sign of our happiness was extremely welcome, as he has shown in many past discussions a willingness and disposition of mind to
have good relations on all occasions that presented themselves. When in your presence I will report more fully to you, Illustrious Gentlemen. However, I cannot remain silent, for Mr. Ciro Alidosio has recorded that nobody there took care of what he had requested (insofar as it could be ascertained), and for this reason I had to endure not being lodged in the palace, as Your Highness wished and was done for the Ambassador of Savoy. I am in the house of Mr. Bartolomeo Fornari, who received me wholeheartedly, giving me altogether every honor and care that one could imagine. In the afternoon I called on the Grand Duchess, who similarly received me most willingly and responded with great courtesy just as she had done to Mr. Don Pietro, who comes now to call.
Tomorrow I will request an audience to say farewell, and then I will return to report to you, most Illustrious Gentlemen, to whom I send every good wish, I respectfully kiss you hands. From Florence, 23 June 1577.
Your most obedient servant
Luca Grimaldi
D—
Last Will and Testament of Luca Grimaldi
ASG, Notaio Zaccaria Vadorno, scansia 524, filza 1.
+1611, die V Iunii. Testamentum Ill.mi domini Lucae Grimaldi quondam domini Francisci.
In nomine Domini amen. Cum nichil sit certius morte nichilque incertius hora illius, quae in animo cuiuslibet prudentis semper debet esse suspecta, hoc igitur considerans Ill.mus dominus Lucas Grimaldus quondam domini Francisci ex Procuratoribus perpetuis huius Serenissimae Reipublicae, sanus Dei gratia mente sensu loquela et intellectu ac in sua bona et sana memoria existens, licet corporea gravetur infirmitate, qua iacens languens in lecto detinetur, cupiens tamen dum apud se est, de se bonisque suis disponere, ideo per presents suum nuncupativum testamentum, quod sine scriptis dicitur, de se bonisque suis statuit disponit et ordinat in omnibus ut infra.
In primis animam suam nunc et in hora mortis devote commendavit et commendat Sanctissime et individue Trinitati, summo Deo Patri omnipotenti, Domino et Salvatori nostro Iesu Christo filio eius unigenito, Sanctoque paraclito Spiritui, beatae et immaculatae Matri semperque Virgini Mariae, Sanctissimo Precursori Ioanni Baptistae, Sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo et Divo Francisco, ac omni celesti Curiae, rogando omnes ut pro ipso et anima eius orent et intercedant apud Deum et Dominum.
Cadaver vero suum sepeliri voluit in ecclesia S. Francisci presentis civitatis, in monumento capellae ipsius Ill.mi testatoris Sanctissimo Crucifixo dicatae, et ad tumulum deferri associatum tantummodo presbiteris parrocchiae S. Lucae Genuae et reverendis fratribus dictae ecclesiae S. Francisci, expendique in caeteris pro funere quid et quomodo videbitur magnificae Ceciliae filiae ipsius Ill.mi testatoris, uxori magnifici domini Ioannis Hieronymi di Marinis, marchionis Castrinovi Scriviae. Item dotavit et dotat et legavit et legat dictae capellae sub titulo Sanctissimi Crucifixi, fabricatae per ipsum Ill.mum testatorem in dicta ecclesia S. Francisci et ad ipsum spectantem, loca quadraginta comperarum S. Georgii.
[Other legacies omitted]
Heredem suum universalem instituit et esse voluit oreque proprio nominavit et nominat magnificum Franciscum, eiusdem Ill.mi testatoris et quondam Nicoletae filiae quondam magnifici Baptistae Grimaldae quondam Hieronimi eius coniugis, filium legitimum et naturalem, solum et in solidum, cui tamen prohibet quicquam tangere nec disponere de bonis et hereditate ipsius nisi completa aetate annorum vigintiquinque.
[Other legacies omitted; curators and testamentary executors are appointed: Grimaldi's son-in-law, Girolamo Marini; Corrado Grimaldi; and Agostino Spinola.]
The fifth day of June 1611. The will of the Illustrious Lord Luca Grimaldi, son of Lord Francesco.
In the name of the Lord, amen. Since nothing is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than its hour, the thought of death should always be kept in the mind of every prudent person. Therefore, in consideration of this fact, the Illustrious Lord Luca Grimaldi, son of Lord Francesco of the perpetual procurators of this most serene republic, being of sound mind, sense, speech, and intellect (God be thanked), and still having a good and healthy memory—although he is gravely afflicted with bodily infirmity, by which he is kept lying and languishing in his bed—desires nevertheless while he is still himself to make disposition of himself and his goods. Therefore, by this present nominating testament, which is dictated by him and not written, he determines, disposes, and ordains concerning himself and his goods in all respects as given below.
First, he has devoutly commended and does commend, both now and in the hour of his death, his soul to the most holy and undivided Trinity; to God the supreme and omnipotent Father; to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son; and to the Holy Ghost the Paraclete; to the blessed and
immaculate Mother Mary, ever Virgin; to the most holy precursor John the Baptist; to the holy apostles Peter and Paul; and to the blessed Francis; and to the entire heavenly court, asking them all to pray and intercede for himself and his soul before God and the lord.
The illustrious testator has desired that his body be buried in the Church of San Francesco of this city, in the monument of his own chapel dedicated to the Most Holy Crucifix. He wishes his body to be carried to the tomb accompanied only by the priests of the parish of Saint Luke of Genoa, and by the reverend friars of the said Church of San Francesco. The illustrious testator wishes that there be expended on other requirements for his funeral whatever seems appropriate to the magnificent Cecilia, his daughter, wife of the magnificent Lord Giovanni Hieronimo di Marinis, marquess of Castronuovo-Scrivia. In particular, he has endowed and does endow, and he has bequeathed and does bequeath to the said Chapel of the Most Holy Crucifix (built by the illustrious testator himself in the said Church of San Francesco, with himself in mind) forty shares of the company of Saint George (Banco di San Giorgio).
This illustrious testator has orally named as his sole heir the magnificent Francesco, legitimate and natural son of himself and the late Nicoleta Baptista Grimaldi, daughter of the late magnificent Hieronimo. He wishes Francesco to be, and has established him as, his heir alone and in entirety. Nevertheless, he prohibits Francesco from touching or disposing of any part of these goods and this inheritance until he reaches the age of twenty-five years.
E—
Poem and Inscription Placed in the Chapel by Luca Grimaldi
From Giulio Pasqua, Memorie e Sepolcri, vol. 49.
Mirus amor Christi pro terris astra reliquit
Ut facilem terris sternat ad astra viam
Nec satis hoc insons dire subcumbere morti,
Et voluit rigide ligna subire Crucis,
Scilicet ut primi sanet contagia ligni
Sumptibus, et nobis mors, sua, vita foret,
Quique mare, et tellus magnus, cui servit Olimpus,
Quem flegetuntei gurgitis unda timet
Mortales artus mortalia funera passus
Mortali ut claustrum celi aperiret iter
Equis erit tam corde feros, tam pectore durus
Irrita qui efundi munera tantu sinat,
Qui non corde pio Christum non pectore toto
Auctorem vite tempus in omne colat
Sacre Crucis, eis spine corone plurimisque
Sanctorum reliquus templo nuper huc
Translatis, Lucas Grimaldus Francisci
Filius, sacrarium hoc P.C.A.S.
[in margin ] Subtus Capellam S.mi Crucifixi
Christ's wondrous love left the stars for earth, so that it might light an easy path from earth to the stars. Nor was this all. The guiltless one wished to succumb to dire death and to endure the wood of the unbending cross so that he might heal the infections of the first wood and so that, these things having been undertaken, his death would be life for us. He whom the earth and the sea and great Olympus serve, he whom the billow on the Phlegethontean flood fears, took upon himself human limbs and a human death so that he might open to mortals the closed path to heaven. Indeed, is there anyone so fierce in spirit or so hard of heart as to allow such great gifts to be expended in vain, or who would not worship Christ, the author of life, with his entire soul and devout heart for all time? Luca Grimaldi, son of Francesco, piously set up and dedicated this shrine for several relics of the saints, and of his holy cross and crown of thorns, recently transferred here to this chapel.