145.—St. Justin and Alphonso I of Ferrara (Moretto)details

She stands in a landscape; one hand sustains her drapery, the other holds her palm; she looks down, with an air of saintly dignity blended with the most benign sweetness, on a kneeling votary. (p. 576)

There is a tradition relative to this picture which greatly enhances its nterest; it is said to represent Alphonso I. of Ferrara at the feet of Donna Laura Eustochio: she was a beautiful woman of low origin, whom Alphonso married after the death of Lucretia Borgia; some say she had been his mistress, butthis is not certain; and, at all events, when Duchess of Ferrara she won by her virtues the respect and love of all classes: the people of Ferrara held her in such reverence, that once, when threatened by an inundation, they imputed their preservation solely to her prayers. (pp. 577ff.)