PISANO, Nicola
(active 1258-1278)

Interior view

c. 1258
Photo
Santa Trinita, Florence

The church of Santa Trinita was founded by the Vallombrosians in the 11th century (when it was outside the city walls), and subsequently patronized by many of Florence's wealthiest families; as a result it was rebuilt many times. The current church was constructed in 1258-1280 at the site of the pre-existing 11th-century church. The nave and most of the chapels are from the fourteenth century and were completed between 1383 and 1405.

Vasari's attribution to Nicola Pisano of the original design of Santa Trìnita (1250–58) is controversial, but the church shows a combination of Apulian, Pisan, and Cistercian features that fits his biography. Subtle, calculated irregularities in the increasing width of the nave and height of the main arcade towards the choir give effects of variety and movement similar to the Pisa pulpit.