NARDO DI CIONE
(b. ca. 1320, Firenze, d. ca. 1365, Firenze)

Paradise (south wall)

1354-57
Fresco
Cappella Strozzi di Mantova, Santa Maria Novella, Florence

The depiction of Paradise on the south wall is given a static and ceremonial character that recalls similar formations of figures in the works of Giotto and his immediate successors. The only way to ensure that the Virgin and Christ enthroned would dominate the many angels and saints was to paint them on a distinctly larger scale and to add angelic musicians beneath them. Only by an expansive treatment of the throne to create a true work of heavenly architecture could Nardo have avoided the risk of monotony in depicting so many persons standing passively in a regular arrangement.




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