Dive into the vivid world of Renaissance artistry in 'The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects' by Giorgio Vasari. This groundbreaking work not only chronicles the remarkable lives of master artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo but also reveals the intricate connections between their personal journeys and their transformative impact on art. Vasari's engaging storytelling paints a portrait of creativity that transcends time and speaks to the soul of imagination. Expect tales of rivalry, genius, and the relentless pursuit of beauty. Discover how these iconic figures reshaped the very foundations of Western art and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
By Giorgio Vasari
Published: 2006
""Painting is a mental thing, a form of intelligence, a demonstration of the sublime that transcends mere technique and reveals the soul of the artist.""
A painter and architect in his own right, Giorgio Vasari (1511-74) achieved immortality for this book on the lives of his fellow Renaissance artists, first published in Florence in 1550. Although he based his work on a long tradition of biographical writing, Vasari infused these literary portraits with a decidedly modern form of critical judgment. The result is a work that remains to this day the cornerstone of art historical scholarship. Spanning the period from the thirteenth century to Vasari’s own time, the Lives opens a window on the greatest personalities of the period, including Giotto, Brunelleschi, Mantegna, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Titian. This Modern Library edition, abridged from the original text with notes drawn from earlier commentaries, as well as current research, reminds us why The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects is indispensable to any student interested in Renaissance art.
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“"Painting is a mental thing, a form of intelligence, a demonstration of the sublime that transcends mere technique and reveals the soul of the artist."”
The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects
By Giorgio Vasari
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) was an Italian painter, architect, and writer, best known for his seminal work 'Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects' (1550), which is considered the first art historical text. Vasari's writing is characterized by its biographical approach, combining detailed narratives with personal anecdotes. His style is descriptive and engaging, often reflecting his deep admiration for the Renaissance artists he chronicles, such as Michelangelo and Raphael. In addition to his literary contributions, Vasari played a significant role in the development of Mannerism and designed the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
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