Masterpiece Monday: The Brancacci Chapel
- Rick Bessey
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Brancacci Chapel in Florence is the most magnificent place in the world to understand Renaissance painting. Michelangelo himself came to this chapel to study the frescoes, if that is an indication of the level of art. The revolutionary Renaissance artist Masaccio created the earliest examples of Renaissance art here in this chapel, and what makes them so amazing is how accessible they are. The works are in situ, in their original location, and you can (as of this time) enter the chapel and view them up close.
Moreover, he did not paint the chapel alone, but shared the work with a friend, Masolino. Masaccio painted in the new Renaissance style, which he started, whereas Masolino was painting in the International / Gothic style. The juxtaposition makes the differences immediately apparent. There is no memorizing of traits and style in a classroom. You can view this work for yourself and immediately perceive the difference.
The works in this chapel come from the Acts of the Apostles, and focuses on the life of St. Peter. Notabl among these works is the fresco known as The Tribute Money, a work of art showing the moment Christ proclaimed, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's." This chapel, although on the "other" side of the Arno, known as the "Oltrarno" region, is easy to get to, and, if the chapel is open, a visit should be high on your list.
Are you interested in seeing this?
Yes!
If there is time.
It doesn't really call to me.
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