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

The Temptation

1426-27
Fresco, 208 x 88 cm
Cappella Brancacci, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence

In this scene Masolino makes use of the most popular and traditional iconography of the period and the two figures, both in their gestures and in their expressions are courtly and elegant: a mood which has always been contrasted with the atmosphere in Masaccio's fresco on the opposite wall of the chapel, interpreted as a powerful manifesto of a new cultural and artistic vision, one of great spiritual harmony and technical ability.

The foliage, which had been addded in the 17th century to cover the nude bodies, has been removed during the recent restoration.




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