Giorgio Vasari

“ In the hall of the pilgrims in the great hospital of Siena are two large historical pictures, in fresco, by Domenico Bartoli, [14] who has managed the perspective, and treated all the accessories and ornaments with very great ability. This painter is said to have been singularly modest and amiable; his manners were gentle and his disposition remarkable for the most liberal kindness, all which brought no less honour to his name than did his proficiency in the art of painting. ”

“ Taddeo likewise sent a picture to Arezzo, where it may be seen in the church of Sant’ Agostino; in this he depicted the portrait of Pope Gregory XI, by whom the pontifical court, after having been held for so many decades of years in Avignon, was reestablished in Italy. When he had finished these works, the master returned to Siena, but did not make a long stay there, being invited to Perugia, to work in the church of San Domenico, where he painted the chapel of Santa Caterina in freseo, representing the whole life of that saint. ”

“ Artists who have endured heavy labours in the hope of acquiring fame from the art of painting, deserve that their works should be placed, not in a dark unfavourable position, for which the works themselves receive blame from those whose j udgment extends no farther; but rather in situations of honour, and where the advantages of light and air permit them to be properly seen, and duly appreciated; as have been and still continue to be, the works of Taddeo Bartoli, a Sienese master, painted for the chapel of the palace of the Signory in Siena. ”