Cellini: Goldsmith, Sculptor And Writer

Benvenuto Cellini(1500-1571), famous goldsmith, sculptor and writer of late Renaissance. His posthumous fame is largely dependent on his Vita. Scholars’ interests mainly focus on the incidents of Vita, so his contribution to art theory needs more attention. In fact, Cellini is a whole man with both excellent artworks and art theory.In Renaissance the status of artists was largely promoted. Paragone is important in this progress. It is a debate artists actively take part in to prove that art is as noble as poetry. Labor is the focus of the debate, but a despised one. So, the craftsman of goldsmiths and labor of sculptors was overlooked. But, Cellini’s opinion is totally different. He defended the craftsman and labor, and make an important complement to Renaissance art theory.Promoted by the desire to raise social status, Renaissance artists often appeared as noble and elegant. Cellini also adopted the image, but meanwhile created another vulgar one which other artists do not dare to use. So, as a whole man, Cellini left a colorful print in Renaissnace...