Giorgio Vasari

“ In like manner and with equal truth Starnina has pourtrayed the circumstances connected with the death-bed of San Girolamo. The saint, who is on the point of death, is dictating his testament; many monks, painted with admirable force and beauty, are around him, some of whom Gherardo represents writing, while others, fixedly regarding and earnestly listening to their master, seem to be storing up all his words with the utmost reverence and affection. ”

“ GHERARDO STARNINA, PAINTER, OF FLORENCE.
[born 1354—died 1408.]
It is an established truth, that he who wanders far from his country, dwelling for a certain time in a land of strangers, frequently experiences a beneficial change in his character and disposition; for, being subjected to the influence of different habits, and observing various customs, the man who is even perverse of nature learns to become tractable, gentle, and patient, much more readily than he would have done had he remained in his own country. ”

“ This work the master executed with so much care in every part, more particularly as to the colouring in fresco, that in despite of the air, the rains, and the unfavourable exposure of a northern aspect, that picture remains in good preservation to the present time; it has ever been considered worthy of the highest praise, and is still so considered, because the colours retain their freshness and beauty as perfectly as if but just painted. ”