Giorgio Vasari

“ On the lower part of the inside of the door, Antonio took it into his head to execute a small relief in bronze, representing Simone and himself with all their disciples going to amuse themselves in a vineyard,^ and having with them an ass loaded with the requisites for a feast. These masters were not constantly occupied with this door during the whole twelve years: within that period they also constructed certain sepulchral monuments of marble for different popes and cardinals in San Pietro; all of which have been destroyed in the erection of the new church. ”

“ If, however, these princes would consider how important it is that due regard should be paid to the selection of eminent masters for the execution of public works, on account of the fame that accrues from such, neither they nor their ministers would certainly be so negligent as they are; for whoever permits himself to make choice of inferior and incapable artists, will assure but a short life either to his works or his fame ”

“ In the third, he describes new forms of buildings, wherein he mingles the antique with the modern. The whole work is further divided into twenty-four books, which are all illustrated by drawings from his own hand; but although some things that are good may be found in this work, yet it is for the most part sufficiently ridiculous, and so dull, that perhaps a more stupid book does not exist. ”

“ Ciuffagni is moreover said to have produced other works in Lucca and Mantua.
↑ His name was Antonio Averlino, or Averulino, as will be seen in a subsequent note. The Greek compound, “Filarete,” appears to liavebeen one of the bye-names so frequently attached in those days to the true names of artists. ↑ To the lamentations of Vasari, Bottari adds the following—“So many admirable works, executed by eminent men, that were formerly in San Pietro, have been removed, and yet this door, which for many reasons deserved to be destroyed, is permitted to retain its place.” ”

“ Ibid. ↑ In the first edition of Vasari this painter is called Focchetta. ↑ These artists are both mentioned by Filarete in the MS. above cited, their name.s occur in a passage wherein he enumerates the masters whom he would have to take part in the erection of his city, which was to be called Sforziade. ↑ When Bottari wrote the notes to his edition of Vasari (1759) , this statue had already disappeared. ↑ Now in the Church of St. Andrea della Valle, and covered with bassi rilievi in marble. Ed. Flor. ”