(Andrea Dal), historical painter, was born at a small village called Castragno, belonging to the territory of Tuscany, in 1499; and being deprived of his parents, was employed by his uncle to attend the herds of cattle in the fields; but, having accidentally seen an ordinary painter at work in the country, he observed him for some time with surprise and attention, and afterwards made such efforts to imitate him, as astonished all who saw his productions. The extraordinary genius of Andrea became at last a common topic of discourse in Florence; and so far excited the curiosity of Bernardetto de Medici, that he sent for Andrea; and perceiving that he had promising talents, he placed him under the care of the...