George Bull Boeken

Beginning with Cimabue and Giotto in the thirteenth century, Vasari traces the development of Italian art across three centuries to the golden epoch of Leonardo and Michelangelo. Great men, and their immortal works, are brought vividly to life, as Vasari depicts the young Giotto scratching his first drawings on stone; Donatello gazing at Brunelleschi's crucifix; and Michelangelo's painstaking work on the Sistine Chapel, harassed by the impatient Pope Julius II. The Lives also convey much about Vasari himself and his outstanding abilities as a critic inspired by his passion for art.

One of 60 low-priced classic texts published to celebrate Penguin's 60th anniversary. All the titles are extracts from "Penguin Classics" titles.

'The first art historian' explores genius and madness in Leonardo and other celebrated Renaissance artists.

One of 60 low-priced classic texts published to celebrate Penguin's 60th anniversary. All the titles are extracts from "Penguin Classics" titles.

English, Italian (translation)

"Men like Benvenuto, unique in their profession, need not be subject to the law." --Pope Paul III on learning that Cellini had murdered a fellow artist. Benvenuto Cellini was a celebrated figure in Renaissance Florence, known for his remarkable sculpting and goldsmithing, including the iconic salt-cellar for the King of France and the statue of Perseus with Medusa's head. His life was as dynamic as his art; he participated in the Sack of Rome in 1527 and was known for his fiery temperament and audacious behavior, engaging in acts such as brawling, theft, and even murder. His patrons included popes, kings, and the Medici family. Cellini's autobiography offers a captivating glimpse into sixteenth-century Italy and France, written with the flair of a novel. This new translation, based on the latest critical edition, preserves the original's vibrancy and focuses on the pivotal event of casting the statue of Perseus. The series has provided a diverse range of literature for over a century, reflecting a commitment to scholarship with accurate texts, expert introductions, extensive notes for clarification, and updated bibliographies for further study.