But although the loss of the work as a whole is to be regretted, the dancing boys remain, to be for ever an inspiration and a pleasure.

The Luca della Robbia cantoria opposite is not quite so triumphant a masterpiece, but from the point of view of suitability it is perhaps better.

We can believe that Luca's children hymn the glory of the Lord, as indeed the inscription makes them, whereas Donatello's romp with a gladness that might easily be purely pagan.

Luca's design is more formal, more conventional; Donatello's is rich and free and fluid with personality.

The two end panels of Luca's are supplied in the cantoria by casts; the originals are on the wall below and may be carefully studied.