Giorgio Vasari

“ His Holiness was of opinion, that the various parts of that vast fabric were not in harmony with each other; wherefore he committed the work to Baldassare, who prepared a new model, which is truly ingenious, and of very magnificent character; it gives proof of so much judgment also, that succeeding architects have frequently availed themselves of many parts thereof. ”

“ Diligent and judicious, this master brought his works so successfully to completion, that he may truly be said never to have had his equal in architecture, and this principally because he combined with his knowledge of that art, so beautiful and admirable a manner in painting and decoration. The design for the tomb of Pope Adrian VI., was given by Baldassare, and the paintings around it are also by his hand, but the marble work of the sepulchre was executed by the Sienese sculptor, Michelagnolo, assisted only by Peruzzi. ”

“ On the completion of these labours Baldassare returned to Home, where he contracted a most intimate friendship with Agostino Chigi of Siena, who received him to his intimacy not only because Baldassare considered himself a Sienese, but also because Agostino was by nature the friend of all distinguished men. With the assistance of such a man as Agostino Chigi, Baldassare found means to afford himself leisure for remaining during some time in Rome, occupied solely with the study and examination of the antiquities, but more particularly of those relating to architecture. ”

“ Yolterra being sacked, he was compelled to take refuge in Siena, and there, having lost nearly all that he possessed, he found himself reduced to live in a somewhat poor fashion.
Baldassare, meanwhile, was increasing in stature, and early gave token of the pleasure he found in the society of good and distinguished men; more especially delighting to frequent the workshops of the goldsmiths and others, who practised the arts of design. ”

“ The writings of Baldassare on the before-mentioned subjects remained for the most part in the hands of the Ferrarese, Jacopo Melighino, who was afterwards appointed by Pope Paul III. the architect for all his buildings; and in those of that Francesco the Sienese, whom we have before mentioned, and who was his creature and disciple. By this artist is the escutcheon of the Cardinal di Trani, in Navona, which has been Very highly commended, and which is still to be seen in Rome, with certain other works, also by Francesco da Siena. It is from him that we have procured the portrait of Baldassare ”

“ Many of the artistic effects of Baldassare were inherited by the Bolognese Sebastiano Serlio, who wrote the third book of the “Architecture,” and the fourth of the “Antiquities of Rome,” with their admeasurements. In these works, the results of Baldassare’s studies, to which we have alluded above, were inserted in the margin, and other portions of the same were likewise of great use to the author. ”

“ Of this, numerous examples may be seen in the many drawings by this master, which are now in the possession of different artists: we have ourselves a considerable number in our book of drawings, and among them is one which is a most fanciful invention. It represents a Piazza entirely filled with arches of triumph, colossal statues, theatres, pyramids, obelisks, temples of various character, colonnades, porticoes, and other erections of similar kind, after the manner of the ancients. ”

“ Of him it may truly be affirmed, that the modesty and goodness so beautifully exemplified in his life, were possessed to such a degree, as to form no mean part of that supreme tranquillity and peace of mind, for which all men who think must needs sigh, and towards which all should constantly aspire ”

“ It is true that the last named architect effected much, in accomplishing what we now possess; but he would, nevertheless, as is believed, have seen his way more clearly through certain of the difficulties incidental to that work, had he performed his labours in company with Baldassare. ”

“ But even more remarkably has Baldassare shown the extent of his ability in painting and perspective, by certain pictures in the same church and near the high altar, where he depicted a story for Messer Filippo da Siena, one of the Clerks of the Chamber, representing Our Lady ascending the steps of the Temple, and about to enter that edifice. In this picture there are many figures highly worthy of praise ”

“ But it is certain that by as much as all should be discreet and moderate in respect of princes who are magnanimous and liberal, by so much is it needful to be importunate and pressing towards those who are avaricious, ungrateful, and discourteous; for inasmuch.as an unremitting demand would be an unpardonable error, nay a vice, if applied to the upright and liberal, insomuch is it a virtue when practised against the mean and avaricious; nay, to be modest with such people is an absurdity and a wrong. ”

“ Baldassare really did serve against Florence, and in the letter alluded to he adverts to the possibility of attacking the city from the Poggio Imperiale. ↑ Della Valle calls this Francesco “a poor creature, whom Baldassare employed on all occasions, whether as concerned his paintings or not.” ”