Lives of the Artists, Vol. 1

Interesting to read about all the works that no longer exist. Also really useful in that it makes these larger-than-life artists at least semi-human. Lots of moments like this: "Then Michaelangelo made a model in wax of a young David with a sling in his hand, and began to work in S. Maria del Fiore,......more

Umpth time reread.......more

"Design, however, is the foundation of both these arts, or rather the animating principle of all creative processes; and surely design existed in absolute perfection before the Creation when Almighty God, having made the vast expanse of the universe and adorned the heavens with His shining lights......more

Visari is not the most articulate art critic, but this book is worth reading for some of the anecdotes. Highlights include Michaelangelo throwing wooden planks at the Pope for sneaking a look at his work.......more

Extremely interesting account of various Renaissance (and earlier) Italian artists written by an artist/architect who was a friend of Michelangelo.......more