It is just here that antiquarian research can render valuable help.

But there are occasions when the perusal of documents and the exercise of what is called the higher criticism afford no surer basis for opinion.

If in such cases a legend has been formed and recorded, the student will advance further toward comprehending the spirit of his subject by patiently considering what he knows to be in part perhaps a mythus, than by starting with the foregone conclusion that the legend must of necessity be worthless, and that his cunning will suffice to supply the missing clue.[57] Thus much I have said by way of preface to what follows upon Niccola Pisano.

Almost all we know about him is derived from a couple of inscriptions, a few contracts, and his Life by Giorgio Vasari.

It is clear that Vasari often wrote with carelessness, confusing dates and places, and taking no pains to verify the truth of his assertions.