This first volume of the new translation and commentary of the Vite presents Vasari as an art connoisseur. It includes all introductions to the complete work: a description and evaluation of the famous dispute between painting and sculpture for the crown of art (the so-called Paragone dispute), a brief philosophy on the origin of art, and an epochal division that became influential for the entire history of European art - from the era of Cimabue, "still far from perfection," to the "maniera moderna," which begins with Masaccio and culminates with the "divine" Michelangelo. For the first time, Vasari uses the term "Renaissance" ("rinascità"). A glossary explaining all the important fundamental concepts of Vasari makes this volume indispensable for reading the complete work.