When Did a Man in the Renaissance Grow Old?

Abstract

The terms of this enquiry emerge from the text of a patent issued by the Duke of Parma on 30 January 1562. It appoints a new architect to act in association with Giacomo Vignola, the distinguished master who had long been in charge of his building activities. The new appointee is Giacinto Vignola, son of Giacomo and previously his father's assistant. One can think of several reasons why such a step might be taken, then or now, but in any case it indicates that the Duke wanted to keep Vignola, make him content, and continue the same style of work.