designs and models that I have made, I omit all mention thereof, as well as of the maskings which I have prepared; wherefore, having said enough and more than enough of myself, I will add nothing further, unless it be the remark that, however great and important have been the works which I have executed for Duke Cosimo, I have never been able to attain, much less surpass, the greatness and boldness of his genius: of this there is proof in the purpose he has conceived of erecting a third Sacristy beside San Lorenzo, very large, and similar in manner to that formerly constructed there by Michelagnolo,[1] but all of different marbles, and mosaic. Here he proposes to have deposited the remains of his departed children, of his father and mother, of the illustrious Duchess Leonora his consort, and of himself; all in tombs worthy of his power and greatness. Of this I have already prepared him a model after his own taste, and as he has himself ordered me to make it; when completed, then, this will be a new Mausoleum of truly regal magnificence.[2]
And now it shall suffice me to have spoken thus much of myself, who have thus arrived, amidst many labours, to the age of fifty-five; but I am prepared to live so long as it shall please God, to his honour and for the service of my friends; and, so far as in me lies, will be ever ready to promote and work for the progress of these most noble arts.[3]
[End of the Eife of Vasari, as written hy himself.]
- ↑ That subsequently erected is larger than the one by Michael Angelo. It was built after a design by the Prince Don Giovanni, brother of the Grand Duke Ferdinand I. The first stone was laid in 1604.— Masselli.
- ↑ In the year 1836, the Commendator Pietro Benvenuti, of Arezzo, completed the painting of the Cupola, on which he had spent thirty years. —Masselli.
- ↑ Vasari finished the printing of his Lives in 1568, in which year he also made his will, writing it with his own hand. This document, which will be found in the second volume of the Carteggio, pp. 502—518, affords further proof of our author’s admirable uprightness of mind and kindliness of heart. It bears date, the 25th of May, 1568.
