``But, Rabbi Melzi, you don't object to others creating works of art?''

``Not at all. Each religion has its own tenets.''

``I am carving a Pieta from white Carrara marble. I wish to make Jesus an authentic Jew. I cannot accomplish this if you will not help me.''

The rabbi said thoughtfully, ``I would not want my people to get in trouble with the Church.''

``I am working for the Cardinal of San Dionigi. I'm sure he would approve.''

``What kind of models would you prefer?''

``Workmen. In their mid thirties. Not bulky laborers, but sinewy men. With intelligence. And sensitivity.''

Rabbi Melzi smiled at him with infinitely old but merry eyes.

``Leave me your address. I will send you the best the quarter has to offer.'' Michelangelo hurried to Sangallo's solitary bachelor room with his sketches, asked the architect to design a stand which would simulate the seated Madonna. Sangallo studied the drawings and improvised a trestle couch. Michelangelo bought some scrap lumber. Together he and Argiento built the stand, covering it with blankets.

His first model arrived at dusk. He hesitated for a moment when Michelangelo asked him to disrobe, so Michelangelo gave him a piece of toweling to wrap around his loins, led him to the kitchen to take off his clothes. He then draped him over the rough stand, explained that he was supposed to be recently dead, and was being held on his mother's lap. The model quite plainly thought Michelangelo crazy; only the instructions from his rabbi kept him from bolting. But at the end of the sitting, when Michelangelo showed him the quick, free drawings, with the mother roughed in, holding her son, the model grasped what Michelangelo was after, and promised to speak to his friends. He worked for two hours a day with each model sent by the rabbi.