not speak at any length, seeing that he has produced works in copper-plate, which have rendered him sufficiently known beyond his native place, and may be seen: nor has he failed to obtain a very extensive reputation thereby.
By the Milanese engravers of gems, Gasparo and Girolamo Misuroni,[1] there are likewise seen vases and tazze of crystal, which are exceedingly beautiful. Two of these in particular, which they have executed for the Duke Cosimo, are most admirable. From a piece of heliotrope also, these artists have made a vase which is remarkable for its size, and admirable for its engraving, with a large vase in lapis-lazuli, which merits infinite commendation.[2] The art is likewise practised by Jacopo da Trezzo,[3] who is in Milan. All these artists have in truth much advanced and improved the practice of this art. I could indeed adduce many who have approached the masters of antiquity in the execution of heads for medals, and of the reverses of the same; nay, there are some who have equalled or even surpassed them, as for example, Benvenuto Cellini,[4] who exercised the art of the goldsmith during the pontificate of Pope Clement, and made two medals, whereon, to say nothing of the portraits of the Pontiff, which are so life-like that they seem to breathe, he produced a figure of Peace, who, having bound the Fury War, is burning her arms, on the one side;[5] and with Moses striking the rock, from which water is flowing to quench the thirst of his people, on the other; and this work is such, that beyond it nothing can be done in that art. Benvenuto has displayed equal ability in the coins and medals which he has executed for the Duke Alessandro in Florence.
Of the Cavalier Lione of Arezzo, who has also greatly distinguished himself in this branch of art, and of the works which he has produced and is producing, I propose to make mention in another place.
- ↑ Or rather, Misseroni.
- ↑ These vases are also in the Florentine Cabinet of Gems.
- ↑ Vasari here calls the master by his true name.
- ↑ Of Benvenuto Cellini Vasari speaks at more length towards the end of his work, and when enumerating the then living members of the Academy of Design.
- ↑ Cicognara gives this work also in his Storia della Scultura, &c. See No. 7, Tav. lxxv.
