Giorgio Vasari

“ It is true that when I commenced the reading of your works I was in perfect ignorance respecting those arts, and had no judgment in the matter, but by the frequent and reiterated perusal of your writings, I have acquired so much that, even though it be but little, or almost nothing, does yet suffice to add a cheerfulness and joy to my life, procuring me a pleasure which I value above all the honours, enjoyments, or riches of this world. ”

“ Lambert of Amsterdam [29] is also much spoken of as a good painter. He passed many years in Venice, and obtained considerable practice in the Italian manner. He had a son named Federigo, of whom, as he was one of our Academicians, I propose to speak elsewhere. Peter Breughel of Antwerp, and Lambert Van Hort, of Amersfort in Holland, are also excellent; while Gilis Mostaert, [30] brother of the above-named Franz, is considered a good architect. Peter Pourbus [31] likewise, although still but a youth, has already given proof that he will eventually become a distinguished painter. ”

“ This artist is considered an excellent one in every branch of his vocation, and it is said that none can exhibit more effectually the expression of grief, gladness, or other passions: he is also much admired for the originality of his fancies, so that, comparing him to the Urbinate, his people call him the Flemish Raphael. ”

“ Cornelius Floris, a brother of the above-named Franz, is distinguished in sculpture and architecture; it was by him that the art of executing grottesche was first taken into Flanders. Wilhelm Palidamo, the brother of Heinrich, with Johann Van Sart, of Nymwegen, a most diligent and able sculptor; Simon of Delft, and Gios Jason, of Amsterdam, all give earnest attention to sculpture, as does likewise Lambert Suave, of Liege; all have indeed attained considerable reputation: the last-named of these masters is an excellent architect and engraver of prints with the burin. ”

“ Gios di Cleves [12] was a great colourist, and an admirable portrait painter, in which branch of art he was much employed by King Francis of France, for whom he painted many of his nobles and ladies.
Kenowned painters of those lands have been, and in part still are, Giovanni d’Hemsen; [13] Mathias Cook, of Antwerp; [14] Bernhard, of Brussels; [15] Giovanni Cornelis, of Amsterdam; [16] Lambert of the same place; [17] Heinrich, of Dinant; Joachim von Partenier, of Bovines, and Johann Schoreel, Canon of Utrecht, who took from Italy into Flanders many new modes of painting. ”

“ We have also two able Flemish painters in Tuscany, Walter and George namely, who have painted several windows for the Duke, at Florence, after the designs of Vasari.
In architecture and sculpture, the most renowned artists among the Flemings are Sebastian d’Oia of Utrecht, [40] who served Charles V. in his Fortifications, as he afterwards did Philip II. Wilhelm of Antwerp, Wilhelm Cucur of Holland, [41] a good architect and sculptor; Johann Yan Dale, a sculptor, poet, and architect ”

“ But leaving these, with Luca d’Olanda, [7] and others, in the year 1532, I became acquainted, in Rome, with a certain Michelo Cockuysen, [8] who gave considerable attention to the Italian manner, and painted many frescos in that city, more particularly two Chapels in Santa Maria de' Anima. He subsequently returned to his country, where he proved himself an able artist. I hear that among other works, he copied, for the King of Spain, a picture by Giovanni Eyck, which is in Ghent. The subject of this painting, which was sent into Spain, is the triumph of the Agnus Dei. ”

“ There are besides certain women who have herein distinguished themselves; as, for example, Susanna, the sister of Lucas above-named, who was invited to England by Henry VIIL, and lived there in great honour her whole life long ”

“ Franz Pourbus was an excellent portrait painter, as was his son, also called Franz. ↑ Of this artist the present writer can find no authentic account. ↑ Gerard Lucas Horebout was in the service of Henry VIII., and died at London in 1558. ”

“ Omer and Mons, about 1520-24. ↑ He was born at Haarlem in 1537. and died in 1612, and was the first of a family of artists; for details respecting whom the English reader may consult Bryan, Dictionary of Painters, &c. ↑ The writer of this courteous and gratifying letter, which it rejoices us to imagine our good Giorgio as reading, here alludes to the practical Treatise of our Author, which does not appear in the present edition, which comprises the “Lives” only; his letters and other works not entering into our present plans. ”