Baptist in prison, produced at Padua, a work placed in competition with those of the first artists in the state, and at that period esteemed the best of all. Yet if we examine him more narrowly he will not fail to displease us by that monotonous and mannered colour of lakes and yellows, and by that rapidity of hand, by some called spirit, though to others it often appears neglect, desirous of abandoning its labour before it is complete. Piazzetta could hardly boast strength enough to deal with pictures abounding with figures, and having received a commission from a Venetian noble, to represent the Rape of the Sabines, he spent many years in conducting it. In his altarpieces and other sacred subjects he produced a pleasing effect from the spirit of devotion, but never for the dignity he displayed in them. Duly estimating his own ability, he was more desirous of painting busts and heads for pictures adapted for private rooms than any other subjects. In his caricatures he succeeded admirably, several of which in possession of the Conti Leopardi d'Osimo would excite the risible muscles of a professed enemy to mirth. At one period this artist had a great number of followers, a fashion nevertheless that soon ceased. Francesco Polazzo, a good painter, but a better restorer of ancient pictures, somewhat softened down the style of Piazzetta with that of Ricci. Domenico Maggiotto also tempered it in his Miracle of San Spiridione, and in his other works engraved at Venice and in Germany. Various artists of this school in the same way gave softness to his manner by studying other models. Perhaps the one most addicted to his method was Marinetti, from the name of his native place more commonly called Chiozzotto.