Other pictures not wholly within his scheme have been added since, together with the Michelangelo statues and casts; but they do not impair the original idea.

For the serious student the first room is of far the most importance, for there he may begin with Cimabue (?
1240-?
1302), and Giotto (1267-?
1337), and pass steadily to Luca Signorelli (?
1450-1523).

For the most part the pictures in this room appeal to the inquirer rather than the sightseer; but there is not one that is without interest, while three works of extraordinary charm have thoughtfully been enisled, on screens, for special attention--a Fra Angelico, a Fabriano, and a Ghirlandaio.

Before reaching these, let us look at the walls.
The first large picture, on the left, the Cimabue, marks the transition from Byzantine art to Italian art.

Giovanni Cimabue, who was to be the forerunner of the new art, was born about 1240.