Customer Reviews

Masaccio and the Brancacci Chapel (The Library of Great Masters)

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Born in 1401 at San Giovanni Valdarno, Masaccio moved to Florence when he was 16, and by 19 was already becoming known for his painting.
His first surviving known painting, from 1422, the San Giovenale Triptych, is shown as a whole, and in detail. The harmony between the figures, and the glorious colors, make this a spectacular Madonna and Child, flanked on each side by two saints and an angel.

Masaccio worked with Masolino and Filippino Lippi on the frescoes from the Brancacci Chapel, and the work of all three artists is shown in this book.
My favorite piece is part of the Pisa Polyptych, the "Adoration of the Magi". The delicacy and loveliness of the composition, especially the expressive beauty of the four horses, make this a piece for all to admire and for art students to study.

There is an emotional intensity in his figuratives; in the "Expulsion from the Garden of Eden" one can see Adam and Eve's agony and shame on their faces, and his Jesus in "Tribute Money" is strong and manly.
Masaccio died at the young age of 27, in Rome, as he had just started the Santa Maria Magiore Polyptych; the fresco was finished by his former collaborator, Masolino, and is the final full sized plate in the book.

Well written and researched (with many quotes from Vasari) by Ornella Casazza, this 1997 edition, printed in Italy on thick, glossy paper, has 35 full sized richly colored plates, and many more smaller ones. Great for Masaccio fans, and lovers of this magnificent era of Italian art.