The altar of the church San Michele, which was erected in a building
originally a corn-market, out of devotion to a picture of our Blessed
Lady, that was depicted against one of the pillars. It is surrounded by
a superb screen of marble and bronze, which will be better understood by
referring to the plate, on which it is figured. The execution of the
sculpture of this altar is most admirable, and the minutest details are
finished with extreme delicacy and care, and many of the panels are
enriched with precious stones and jaspers. The upper part of the screen
supports a richly-moulded brass trough, to receive the drippings of the
numerous tapers offered upon this altar, and for which standards with
prickets are disposed above each mullion or division of the screen. The
whole is in the most perfect state, and offers a splendid example of
mediæval Italian art.