Masaccio By: Elizabeth Scotch

His life His name Masaccio means 'big Tommaso‘. He was originally named Tommaso Cassai and was born in San Giovanni Valdarno, near Florence.

His life He was originally named Tommaso Cassai and was born in San Giovanni Valdarno, near Florence. He begins working on his most important work in The frescoes on the walls of the Brancacci Chapel of the Santa Maria del Carmine. In 1422 he joined the painters guild in Florence. He was influenced most by the architect Brunelleschi and the sculptor Donatello.

Frescoes His frescoes are the earliest monuments of Humanism. He begins working on his most important work in The frescoes on the walls of the Brancacci Chapel of the Santa Maria del Carmine.

Brancacci Chapel of the Santa Maria del Carmine

Styles of painting He changed the direction of Italian painting, moving it away from the Gothic style and elaborates ornamentation of artists. He was one of the first to use scientific perspective in his painting.

His works In 1422 he joined the painters guild in Florence. He was influenced most by the architect Brunelleschi and the sculptor Donatello. All of his works are religious in nature like altarpieces or church frescoes. Masaccio is one of the first to use perspective to suggest depth in a flat surface. He has an eye for the use of light, a talent for expressing moods and he is a true master at forming groups.

The Death of Ananias

In this painting Masaccio includes three different moments a the story in the same scene, a technique known as "continuous narrative“.

End of Life The majority of his work has been destroyed. Masaccio probably died in poverty in Rome, at the age of 27. Only four frescoes undoubtedly from Masaccio's hand still exist today, although many other works have been at least partially attributed to him. Others are believed to have been destroyed.

This is one of the paintings of St. Andrew that Masaccio made for the church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Pisa.

Portrait of a young man