Giorgio Vasari

Date of Birth: July 30, 1511

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 27, 1574

Biography

Giorgio Vasari was an Italian painter, architect, writer, and historian, born in Arezzo, Tuscany. He is best known for his book “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects,” which is considered the ideological foundation of art-historical writing. Vasari was a multifaceted artist who contributed significantly to the Renaissance period both through his artwork and his historical documentation of other artists. He studied in Florence under Andrea del Sarto and was deeply influenced by Michelangelo. His architectural works include the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. In addition to his architectural achievements, Vasari’s paintings can be seen in many churches and public buildings in Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Giorgio Vasari

1. Giorgio Vasari coined the term “Renaissance” in his writings, which has since become the standard term for the period of cultural rebirth in Europe.

2. Vasari was a close friend of Michelangelo and documented much of his work and life in his writings.

3. He designed the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which is now one of the most famous art museums in the world.

4. Vasari also served as the court painter for the Medici family in Florence.

5. He created the “Vasari Corridor,” a secret passageway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, which allowed the Medici family to move safely between their residences.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giorgio Vasari

1. “Art owes its origin to Nature herself.”

2. “In our days, it is common to hear people say that what is not done quickly is not done well.”

3. “Men of genius are often dull and inert in society; as the blazing meteor, when it descends to earth, is only a stone.”

4. “He who does not value life does not deserve it.”

5. “Perfection is no small thing, but it is made up of small things.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While precise figures from Vasari’s time are not available, his works and contributions were highly valued, and he enjoyed patronage from the Medici family, one of the wealthiest families in Europe during the Renaissance period.

Children

Giorgio Vasari did not have any children. His legacy was carried on through his numerous works and the influence he had on the documentation of art history.