Rinuccini Chapel (basilica of Santa Croce) 1370

Giovanni da Milano painted the Rinuccini Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, in the late 14th century, a period marked by the rise of powerful merchant families. The chapel's frescoes reflect the wealth and status of the Rinuccini family, who commissioned the work. Religious art such as this played a crucial role in shaping social values. The glittering gold leaf backgrounds, for instance, evoke divine authority, while the naturalistic depictions of saints embody ideal virtues. To understand the chapel, we need to examine the economic and political context of Florence at the time. Patrons used art to assert their dominance and influence. By studying archival documents, such as family records and guild regulations, we can understand how art served the interests of both the Church and the city's elite. This reminds us that art is always embedded in a network of social relations.