Giorgio Vasari, the "Father of Art History," first published his Vite in 1550. An instant sensation, the Vite was more than just a chronological sequence of biographies: it was the first critical history of artistic style. This fully illustrated Grove Art Essentials title delves into Giorgio Vasari's career as a painter, draughtsman, architect, and scholar from early life and training through his years of maturity. Accompanied by a complete catalogue of his writings and extensive bibliography, this volume also contains an in-depth exploration of his writings and their impact on the art historical discipline.

Julian Kliemann

Giorgio Vasari I. Life and work. 1. Training and early works, before 1537. 2. First major commissions, 1537-53. (i) 1537-40. (ii) 1541-5. (iii) 1546-53. 3. Years of maturity, 1553-74. (i) Palazzo Vecchio. (ii) Other architectural commissions and ephemeral decorations. (iii) Other painted works. II. Working methods and technique. III. Writings. 1. The 'Vite'. (i) First edition. (a) Introduction. (b) Classification. (c) Disegno and other central themes. (d) Technique. (e) Sources. (ii) Second edition. (iii) Critical reception. 2. Other writings. IV. Collection. V. Character and personality. Writings Modern editions of the 'Vite' Translations Bibliography Early sources Monographs Illustrations Paintings Architecture, ephemeral decoration and applied arts Drawings Vasari as historian, writer and collector Critical reception and reputation of the 'Vite'