This seminar will honor the life and work of Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574), who founded the discipline of art history. Vasari was a knowledgeable artist in classics, emblems, and mythography and a significant figure in art history. An accomplished painter, architect, art collector, and historical writer in sixteenth-century Tuscany, he was celebrated for his invaluable contributions to the art world through his art theory and artistic achievements. This seminar will delve into Vasari's artistic innovations that continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts today. It will also examine Vasari's innovative painting techniques, particularly in the decorative cycles of Cancelleria Palace in Rome and Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. In addition, the seminar will explore Vasari's architectural creations, including corridors, facades, and squares that exemplify his ingenuity, such as the Uffizi Gallery. Vasari's conceptions of museums, as reflected in his homes in Arezzo and Florence, will also be analyzed. Seminar participants will gain a deeper understanding of Vasari's role as an influential figure in the art world and learn about his significant contributions to art and art theory during the sixteenth century in Italy.
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