First published 2006
Giorgio Vasari opens his biographical chronicle in thirteenth century Italy, where artists begin to emerge from medieval anonymity into individual recognition. The painter and architect tracks the careers of Renaissance giants including Giotto, Brunelleschi, Mantegna, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Titian. Vasari draws from established biographical traditions but applies his own critical judgment to assess each artist's contributions and innovations. He examines their techniques, personalities, and rivalries across three centuries of artistic development. The work spans from early Renaissance pioneers through the High Renaissance masters of Vasari's own era. This Modern Library edition condenses the original text while preserving the biographical portraits that established art historical scholarship. Vasari reveals the human stories behind the greatest artistic achievements of the period, showing how individual genius shaped the cultural transformation of Italy and Europe.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, non-fiction, art-history
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: biographical
Setting: Italy, Europe
Period: 13th Century, Renaissance
640 pages · Paperback · Random House USA Inc