Lives of the Most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects, Vol. 03 (of 10): Filarete and Simone to Mantegna

"Lives of the Most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects, Vol. 03 (of 10)" by Giorgio Vasari is a historical account written in the early 16th century. This volume specifically covers the lives and works of notable artists from the Italian Renaissance, including sculptors and architects such as Antonio Filarete, Simone, and Piero della Francesca. Vasari, a painter himself, provides a detailed exploration of their contributions to art and architecture during a time of significant cultural flourishing, offering insights into their techniques, styles, and the historical context of their lives. At the start of the volume, Vasari discusses the works of Antonio Filarete and Simone, focusing on their collaboration on bronze doors for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He highlights the challenges they faced under Pope Eugenius IV and describes their artistic choices, such as the low-relief designs that feature significant biblical figures. The opening also delves into their additional projects, including tombs and architectural works, illustrating the broader scope of Renaissance art and the important roles these sculptors played in shaping it. Vasari sets the tone for his analysis by blending biography with critical commentary, aiming to not only document their lives but also understand the essence of their artistic legacies.