The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Art** claims this of a certian Buffalmacco:
“Painter
of the early Florentine school best know for his contemporary
reputation as a practical joker. Vasari lists many paintings by him
but none can now be attributed with certainty.”
I
read this entry, smiled and put the
dictionary away - only to burst out into laughter a minute later: clearly, this was a practical joke.
*Buonamico
di Cristofano, called (13th- 14th c.)
**Good stuff, although not always on the serious side.
