Giorgio Vasari, the “Father of Art History,” first published his Vite in 1550. An instant sensation, the Vite was more than just a chronological sequence of biographies: it was the first critical history of artistic style. This fully illustrated Grove Art Essentials title delves into Giorgio Vasari's career as a painter, draughtsman, architect, and scholar from early life and training through his years of maturity. Accompanied by a complete catalogue of his writings and extensive bibliography, this volume also contains an in-depth exploration of his writings and their impact on the art historical discipline.