Author Description

"This catalogue for an exhibition accompanying an international symposium on Giorgio Vasari (1511–1574) offers a penetrating look at the life, art, and writings of the Renaissance figure best known for his biographical sketches of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and more. The exhibition provided a first viewing of 14 documents from the Vasari family papers, which had been acquired by the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, in the context of Vasari’s artistic and literary practice. The catalogue examines the archive itself, Vasari’s use of allegory, his early influences and works, his relationship with Cosimo I, the publication of Vite, his work on the cupola of the Florence Cathedral, and his death. The previously unpublished documents help to flesh out Vasari’s own biography, underscoring his achievement as a painter and architect and bringing his world to life."--