Pope Gregory IX excommuning emperor Frederick II Vasari 1572

Giorgio Vasari was an Italian painter, architect, writer and historian. He is best known for his book The Lives of the Painters, Sculptors and Architects, which is considered one of the most important works in the history of art criticism. Vasari was born in 1511 in Arezzo, Tuscany. He began his artistic career as a painter and studied with Andrea del Sarto in Florence. However, he soon shifted his focus to architecture and became a pupil of Michelangelo. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Vasari was also a prolific writer. His most famous work, 'The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects', was first published in 1550 and later expanded in 1568. The book is a collection of biographies of over 200 Renaissance artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Vasari's writing style was characterised by his use of anecdotes and colourful descriptions of the artists' lives and works. His book was instrumental in shaping the public perception of Renaissance art and artists. In addition to his writing and artistic activities, Vasari also worked as an architect. He designed several buildings in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo della Signoria. Vasari died in Florence in 1574. His legacy as an artist, writer and historian continues to influence the study and appreciation of Renaissance art today.