Florence - Santa Maria del Carmine

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wealthy Florentine merchant, had decorated with frescoes in 1428. Mainly the work of Masaccio and Masolino, they represent an important stage in the development of European painting. In his frescoes Masaccio took art beyond the richness of form and color of the medieval Gothic and developed the ideas initiated by Giotto. Following the tradition of Masaccio and Masolino, Filippino Lippi painted the five lower frescoes.

Major Renaissance artists studied the works in the Brancacci Chapel on account of their confidence in the use of perspective, the austere realism of the characters depicted, the subtle characterisation of the faces, the freedom and intensity of expression. Sadly disfigured by previous attempts at restoration, the frescoes have recently been restored to their original colors.

The themes they represent, top row, from left to right, are: Adam and Eve being driven out of Eden, the Tribute Money (both by Masaccio), St Peter Preaching, Peter Baptising the Neophytes, Peter and John healing the Lame and raising Tabitha, the Temptation of Adam and Eve. Below, Peter visited by Paul in Prison, Peter raising the Son of Theophilus, Peter Preaching, Peter (with John) healing the Sick, Peter and John distributing Alms, Crucifixion of Peter, Peter and Paul before the Proconsul, Release of Peter from Prison.

Michelangelo is said to have become so enraged during an argument in front of these pictures that his nose was broken in the ensuing fracas.