Who is the historian that wrote book lives of most imenent painters?

The historian you're likely thinking of is Giorgio Vasari. He was an Italian painter, architect, and writer who is best known for his book "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects" (Italian: *Le Vite de' più eccellenti pittori, scultori, ed architettori*), published in 1550 and revised in 1568.

This book is considered a cornerstone of art history, as it provided the first systematic account of the lives and works of Italian artists from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

While Vasari's book is a valuable resource, it's important to note that it is not without its biases and inaccuracies. Vasari was a product of his time and his own artistic circle, and his accounts reflect his personal opinions and preferences. Nonetheless, "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters" remains a significant work that has shaped our understanding of Renaissance art and artists.