Rinuccini Chapel (basilica of Santa Croce) 1370

Giovanni da Milano painted the Rinuccini Chapel in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence during the 1360s. These frescoes offer a glimpse into the religious mindset of the late medieval world. Consider the narrative unfolding before you: a scene from the life of Mary Magdalene, set against an architectural backdrop that mimics the Basilica's interior. Giovanni's attention to realistic detail, especially in the figures' drapery and expressions, humanizes these biblical characters. In Florence, during this time, the Church was not merely a spiritual guide but a central political and economic power. Patrons like the Rinuccini family used art to assert their status and piety, while artists navigated these power dynamics, often subtly critiquing or negotiating with the established order through their work. By examining archival records, religious texts, and the political history of Florence, we can decipher the complex layers of meaning embedded within this chapel. The frescoes invite us to consider the public role of art and the social conditions that shape artistic production.