Vasari, Lives of Eminent Artists Architects 5v.Ed.1855
"Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects:" Translated from the Italian of Giorgio Vasari. With notes and illustrations, chiefly selected from Various Commentators by Mrs. Jonathan Foster, published by Henry G. Bohn, London. Complete set in Five Volumes published 1855 through 1865.
Embossed hard boards, original olive-green cloth, gold lettering on spines [some shelf and spine ends wear, the upper part of the spine volume V shows some damage and repair: see photos]. 5" x 7.1/2"; c 8" shelf space. Volume I [1855]: 511 pages; volume II [1855]: 508 page; Vol.III [1865]: 526 pages; vol.IV [1859]: 548 pages; vol V [1864]: 580 pages including Index to all five volumes. Several pages of publisher's advertising up-front and at the end of each volume. A little foxing and wear, very good condition.
Vasari's Vite were first published in 1550, and in a second, much expanded edition in 1568. It is the latter expanded version which is translated here.
volume I [1855]: frontispiece portrait of Vasari by Menabuini, engraved by John James Hinchliff, (1805-1875), line and stipple engraving, tissue guard; 511 pages;
volume II [1855]: 508 page;
volume.III [1865]: 526 pages;
volume.IV [1859]: 548 pages;
vol V [1864]: 580 pages including Index to all five volumes.
The work is not only a collection of biographies and a major source of firsthand information on many High Renaissance artists [Vasari personally met several of them], but also a critical art history. It proved immensely influential - indeed Vasari's overview of the history of art was the prevailing one until well into the nineteenth century. Using the ancient comparison of the rise and fall of communities to the life of a human being, Vasari presents art as having declined from the age of Constantine I to that of the Goths, and as having been born again with Giotto, passed through a period of growth (stimulated by the discovery of ancient statues) and attained perfection with Michelangelo, who combines rule with 'licenzia' in such a way as to satisfy the judgment of the eye. Vasari's criterion of good art is the degree to which it imitates nature (again, an ancient idea). Although Michelangelo and Raphael provide a standard for judging earlier art, one must take account of the quality of the times and recognize that some (e.g. Donatello) have surpassed their age. It is disegno that underlies painting, sculpture and architecture; but anyone who would judge art should have some technical knowledge.
Rates vary per country, we will adjust shipping costs with the invoice.
US: Media (c.4-8 days) ----------- $19.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) --- $64.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) ---- $99.50
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"Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects:" Translated from the Italian of Giorgio Vasari. With notes and illustrations, chiefly selected from Various Commentators by Mrs. Jonathan Foster, published by Henry G. Bohn, London. Complete set in Five Volumes published 1855 through 1865.
Embossed hard boards, original olive-green cloth, gold lettering on spines [some shelf and spine ends wear, the upper part of the spine volume V shows some damage and repair: see photos]. 5" x 7.1/2"; c 8" shelf space. Volume I [1855]: 511 pages; volume II [1855]: 508 page; Vol.III [1865]: 526 pages; vol.IV [1859]: 548 pages; vol V [1864]: 580 pages including Index to all five volumes. Several pages of publisher's advertising up-front and at the end of each volume. A little foxing and wear, very good condition.
Vasari's Vite were first published in 1550, and in a second, much expanded edition in 1568. It is the latter expanded version which is translated here.
volume I [1855]: frontispiece portrait of Vasari by Menabuini, engraved by John James Hinchliff, (1805-1875), line and stipple engraving, tissue guard; 511 pages;
volume II [1855]: 508 page;
volume.III [1865]: 526 pages;
volume.IV [1859]: 548 pages;
vol V [1864]: 580 pages including Index to all five volumes.
The work is not only a collection of biographies and a major source of firsthand information on many High Renaissance artists [Vasari personally met several of them], but also a critical art history. It proved immensely influential - indeed Vasari's overview of the history of art was the prevailing one until well into the nineteenth century. Using the ancient comparison of the rise and fall of communities to the life of a human being, Vasari presents art as having declined from the age of Constantine I to that of the Goths, and as having been born again with Giotto, passed through a period of growth (stimulated by the discovery of ancient statues) and attained perfection with Michelangelo, who combines rule with 'licenzia' in such a way as to satisfy the judgment of the eye. Vasari's criterion of good art is the degree to which it imitates nature (again, an ancient idea). Although Michelangelo and Raphael provide a standard for judging earlier art, one must take account of the quality of the times and recognize that some (e.g. Donatello) have surpassed their age. It is disegno that underlies painting, sculpture and architecture; but anyone who would judge art should have some technical knowledge.
Rates vary per country, we will adjust shipping costs with the invoice.
US: Media (c.4-8 days) ----------- $19.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) --- $64.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) ---- $99.50
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
