These artists had the near prospect of death in view, and thus they turned their thoughts entirely to work from which they hoped for reward in the world to come.

The fear of hell was not without its influence upon both of them.
Some of the drawings made by Michael Angelo for his friend, Tomaso Cavalieri, are mentioned in one of Tomaso's letters, dated 1533.( 156) [Image #46] THE CRUCIFIXION OF SAINT PETER THE CHAPEL OF POPE PAUL, THE VATICAN, ROME (_By permission of the Fratelli Alinari, Florence_) "UNIQUE MY LORD,--Some days ago I received a letter from you, which was very welcome, both because I learned by it that you are well, and also because I can now be sure that you will soon return.

I was very sorry not to answer at once.

However, when you know the cause, you will hold me excused.

On the day your letter reached me I was very sick, and in such a high fever that I was at the point of death; and verily I should have died if it had not revived me.
Since then, thank God, I have been well.