Giorgio Vasari

“ MASOLINO DA PANICALE, PAINTER, OF FLORENCE
[born about 1403—died about 1440.]
The happiness of those who approach the highest point of the science in which they labour to attain perfection, must in my opinion be very great, more especially when, in addition to the satisfaction assured to all who strive conscientiously, they perceive themselves to derive some benefit from their labours. Such men, without doubt, lead a most peaceful and happy life. ”

“ And if it happen that one whose days are thus occupied in the upright endeavour to reach the true end of his existence and acquire the perfection to which he aspires, should be suddenly surprised by death, yet his memory does not become wholly extinct, if he have indeed meritoriously striven to advance on the true path. ”

“ Peter, and the leg of whom, bent backwards, is admirably treated. Masolino likewise began to impart an expression of sweetness to his female heads, with a grace and elegance to the draperies of young men, which were not attained by the elder masters, and the perspective of his drawing is tolerably correct. [9] But the peculiarity which most distinguished Masolino was the beauty of his fresco paintings: these he executed most admirably, the colours being so delicately blended and harmonized, that his carnations have all the softness which it is possible to imagine ”