The View Of Architectural History In Vasari’s Vite

This paper focus on the ‘Architectural Introduction’ and biographies of architects in Vasari’s Vite, attempting an exploration and discussion of the features of architectural theory, the ways of description of architecture, the images of renaissance architects, and the ideas and concepts related to architectural history in Vasari’ Vite. In brief, the paper try to research Vasari’s view about architecture, architect, and architectural history.The preface summarizes the intention and meaning of the task, and narrates Vasari’s career as an architect briefly. Meanwhile, for the history of architecture has a close relationship with that of sculpture and painting, the literature about Vasari’s Vite is reviewed.Chapter one discusses the content of ‘Architectural Introduction’ and Vasari’ s perspective to look at architecture. The Architectural Introduction laid emphasis on visual effect and application value of theory, which was influenced by Mannerism. Its descriptive approach of architects was related to aesthetics, ethics and rhetoric, and paid attention to the origin cause of formation.Chapter two is about Vasari’s view on the status of renaissance architects, and the way that he shaped their images. In most cases, architects were amateurs with excellent judgment, appearing as great men. They made outstanding contribution to states and cities, and deserved to be cherished and supported by patrons.Chapter three discusses the Vite’s narrative format of architectural development, including the organic model combined with linear progress and cyclical view, the stylistic evolution centered on the sense of order, the effect of traditional architectural literature on Vasari’s progressive view of history, and the significance of disegno in architectural history.