MASOLINO da Panicale
(b. 1383, Panicale, d. 1447, Firenze)

The Philosophers of Alexandria

1428-30
Fresco
San Clemente, Rome

The fresco in the Barda Castiglioni Chapel of San Clemente depicts the disputation between St Catherine of Alexandria and pagan philosophers before the Emperor.

Masolino was responsible for the decoration of the chapel dedicated to St Catherine. The chapel was probably begun around 1425 when Castiglioni returned to Rome, where he stayed until 1431. The decoration was probably carried out between 1428 and 1430. The chapel has an Annunciation the exterior and above, in the centre, Castiglioni's arms. The inner side is decorated with figures of the twelve apostles. Inside, on the groin vault are depicted the four Evangelists and the Fathers of Church. On the left wall are scenes from the life of St Catherine of Alexandria, and on the right scenes from the life of St Ambrose. The rear wall has a Crucifixion.