Cellini was a blend of lackey, child, and genius.

Cellini, whatever one may think of his veracity, is a diverting and valuable writer, and the picture of Cosimo I which he draws for us is probably very near the truth.

None the less it is not Gaddi's bust but Cellini's that has the post of honour in the centre; but this is, of course, because Cellini was a goldsmith, and it is to goldsmiths that the shops belong.

Cellini was the creature of the momentthe glass and mirror of corrupt, enslaved, yet still resplendent Italy.

Cellini was essentially an Italian of the Cinque-cento.