Not Just the Tudors Vasari: Inventor of Artistic Genius
Aug 7, 2025
Dr. Noah Charney, an American art historian and novelist known for his insights into art crime, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to explore Giorgio Vasari, the man who redefined artistic genius. They discuss how Vasari's blend of truth and myth shaped our understanding of Renaissance art and the notion of the solitary artist. From tales of rivalry among artists to the evolution of art from craft to celebrated genius, they uncover Vasari's lasting influence on art history, museum practices, and the very concept of creativity itself.
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Fabricated Murder Tale
- Vasari fabricated a dramatic murder story between Renaissance artists Andrea del Castagno and Domenico Veneziano.
- This tale exemplified the dangers of envy among men of genius, though it never actually happened.
Art as Intellectual Pursuit
- Vasari redefined art from mere manual labor to an intellectual pursuit infused with divine genius.
- His vision shaped how we view Renaissance masters like Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Vasari's Dual Roles
- Vasari was a talented painter and architect but is best known for his biographies of artists.
- His work championed elevating artists above craftsmen, forming the foundation of art history.
