Casa Vasari

Casa Vasari, nestled in the heart of Arezzo, Italy, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and history. This historic residence was once the home of Giorgio Vasari, a renowned painter, architect, and art historian of the 16th century. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and works of this influential figure, as well as a broader appreciation of the Mannerist style that he championed.

The History of Casa Vasari

The story of Casa Vasari begins in 1541 when Giorgio Vasari purchased the land on which the house stands. Located in the borgo di San Vito, named after a small 13th-century church dedicated to Saints Vito and Modesto, this area lies to the north of the historic center of Arezzo. Vasari, who was deeply involved in the artistic and architectural movements of his time, began decorating his new home in 1542. By 1550, he had married Niccolosa Bacci and moved into the house, although his commitments in Florence, Rome, and other cities meant he spent only short periods there.

Despite his frequent travels, Vasari personally oversaw the completion and decoration of the house, including the furnishings, which have since been dispersed. The decorative project, involving intricate frescoes, was completed in 1568 with the help of Vasari's students. The house remained in the Vasari family until 1687, when it was acquired by the Fraternita dei Laici. It later passed through the hands of several families before being purchased by the Italian state in 1911 and converted into a museum.

Exploring Casa Vasari

Visitors to Casa Vasari are immediately struck by the rich artistic heritage that permeates every room. The piano nobile, or noble floor, is accessible via a staircase dominated by a bust of Giorgio Vasari, created by an unknown Tuscan artist from the 16th or 17th century. The first room, known as the Room of the Fireplace, features frescoes painted by Vasari in 1548. The ceiling depicts the Expulsion of Envy and Fortune by Virtue, while the walls are adorned with allegorical figures, landscapes, and stories of ancient painters.

Adjacent to the Room of the Fireplace is a small chapel, which houses a Madonna by Fra Paolino and a rare 16th-century majolica floor. The Corridor of Ceres, also known as the Corridor of Dragons, contains several late Mannerist paintings, including a Circumcision attributed to Mirabello Cavalori and the Death of Adonis by Jacopo Zucchi.

The Rooms of Casa Vasari

The Nuptial Chamber is a highlight, with a ceiling fresco by Vasari depicting Abraham surrounded by allegorical figures of Peace, Concord, Virtue, and Modesty. This room also features notable paintings such as the Alms of Saint Nicholas by Jan van der Straet, a young Vasari's Christ Carried to the Tomb, and a Judas by Vasari himself.

The Corridor, adorned with portraits of primarily 16th-century Tuscan figures, leads to the former kitchen, which was decorated with frescoes by Raimondo Zaballi in 1827. The Room of Apollo, decorated by Vasari, features frescoes of Apollo and the Nine Muses and the Allegory of Conjugal Love, including a portrait of Vasari's wife, Nicolosa Bacci. This room also showcases paintings such as Saint Francis by Alessandro Allori and a mirror attributed to Allori himself.

In the Room of Glories, Vasari painted the Glory on the ceiling and the Four Arts, along with his self-portrait and portraits of artists from Arezzo and its surroundings, such as Lazzaro Vasari, Luca Signorelli, and Michelangelo. This room also contains significant artworks like the Crucifixion by Jan van der Straet and a polychrome glazed terracotta piece by Andrea Sansovino.

The Garden of Casa Vasari

The garden of Casa Vasari, likely cultivated since the house's construction, served primarily as a vegetable garden, as Vasari himself noted. An orangerie was built, indicating the presence of an Italian-style garden since ancient times. The garden, featuring geometric flowerbeds restored in the late 20th century, includes medicinal plants and an ancient stone basin at its center.

The Vasari Archives

The Vasari Archives are one of the most valuable resources for studying 16th-century art history. These archives include contracts, property administration documents, Vasari's work notes, and correspondence with notable figures of the time. Among the treasures are 17 letters and three sonnets by Michelangelo, addressed to his dear friend Giorgio Vasari, along with three original drawings by the artist. The archives, which had been the subject of legal disputes, were expropriated by the Italian state in 2017 and are now preserved for public benefit.

Casa Vasari is not just a museum; it is a journey through the artistic and cultural landscape of the Renaissance. Each room, fresco, and artifact tells a story, offering visitors an immersive experience into the life and times of Giorgio Vasari and the rich heritage of Arezzo. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, Casa Vasari promises a memorable and enlightening visit.