Masaccio's frescoes in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine,
painted between 1425 and 1428, when the artist died tragically
young, are probably the most influential paintings of the entire
15th century. The realism of the figures, and Masaccio's understanding
of perspective, are the key features of Florentine Quattrocento
painting. Masolino's frescoes, although undeniably charming,
seem lightweight in comparison. When Filippino Lippi completed
the cycle half a century later, he was content to copy the style
of Masaccio. It was on the steps of this chapel that Torrigiani
broke Michelangelo's nose following a violent argument. The frescoes
have recently been restored to their full glory.
