MASACCIO Stories

In San Giovanni Valdarno are the origins of Masaccio, the famous Renaissance artist born at Castel San Giovanni on 21 December 1401 by Ser Giovanni di Mone Cassai and Monna Jacopa di Martinozzo. Masaccio established himself as one of the greatest innovators of Renaissance painting, collaborating with masters such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Donatello.

His revolutionary works are considered universal masterpieces. His influence revolutionized the artistic language of his time, making his name inextricably linked to art history.

The origins of Masaccio

Masaccio, born in San Giovanni Valdarno on 21 December 1401 by Ser Giovanni di Mone Cassai and Monna Jacopa di Martinozzo, is considered one of the greatest innovators of the Renaissance. His appearance and neglected ways, which led him to be called "Masaccio" (the poor Thomas), are reflected in his dedication to art and his shy character. Masaccio moved to Florence in 1417, where he already worked as a painter in 1419 and was influenced by the innovations of Donatello and Brunelleschi, with whom he maintained close ties. In 1422 he joined the Art of the Medicis and Apothecaries together with his mother and brother Giovanni. His revolutionary work has left an indelible mark on the history of Renaissance art.

The first works

The Trittico di San Giovenale, dated 1422 and preserved in Cascia di Reggello, is Masaccio’s first work known for its surprising maturity and expressive clarity. It shows a rejection of Gentile da Fabriano’s calligraphy and an essential gesture. Around 1423, Masolino, according to some studies originally from Panicale di Renacci, joined Masaccio in a collaboration lasting until the latter’s sudden death. In 1424 they realized together the Sant'Anna Metterza for S. Ambrogio in Florence, where Masaccio distinguished himself with the perspective construction of the throne and the Renaissance setting of the Virgin.

The Brancacci chapel in Florence

In 1424, Felice Brancacci commissioned Masolino to decorate the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, on whose frescoes he collaborated with Masaccio for about a year. The collaboration concentrated on the upper parts, while the lower ones were completed later. Recent restorations have confirmed that the fresco of the Healing of the Lame is entirely by Masolino.

Rome and the latest works

At the end of 1427, Masaccio left for Rome. The papal court and other patrons were still very conservative. The Colonna commissioned from Masolino a triptych for their chapel in S. Maria Maggiore, with Masaccio contributing only to the side panel with saints Jerome and John the Baptist. Masaccio died mysteriously shortly after, at the age of 26, perhaps poisoned. Antonio Billi recalls that he was highly esteemed by Filippo Brunelleschi, who mourned his death and recognized his great talent.

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