My Life

"Men like Benvenuto, unique in their profession, need not be subject to the law."
—Pope Paul III on learning that Cellini had murdered a fellow artist

Benvenuto Cellini was beloved in Renaissance Florence. A renowned sculptor and goldsmith whose works include the famous salt-cellar made for the King of France, and the statue of Perseus with the head of the Medusa, Cellini's life was as vivid and enthralling as his creations. A man of action as well as an artist, he took part in the Sack of R...