The Tribute Money

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Raina Peter
Burgett
Honors Humanities II
23 April 2018
The Tribute Money: Embracing Realism
Rich in color and historical significance, The Tribute Money, a fresco painted in 1427 in the Brancacci Chapel of the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, epitomizes Masaccio’s work (Culture and Values). Masaccio utilizes compositional structure, the use of light and dark tones, and continuous narration to transition away from classical antiquity. The Tribute Money is a representation of the Gospel of Matthew and was very influential to later Florentine painters (Khan Academy). Masaccio’s The Tribute Money is revolutionary because it embodies a new sense of realism, launching Early Renaissance painting. Masaccio departs from tradition when …show more content…

Giorgi Vasari, an Italian writer said, “the works made before his [Masaccio’s] day can be said to be painted, while his are living, real, and natural” (Graham-Dixon). Masaccio revitalized a technique used by Roman painters, known as atmospheric perspective, to add depth. By blurring the outlines of objects as distance increases, visual effects are generated (Nelson). Additionally, Masaccio uses light to illuminate parts of some objects and leaves the rest in shadows. This form of chiaroscuro, where light comes from one source, adds depth and volume to each figure depicted in the painting. Not only does Masaccio make figures appear realistic through shading, he also effectively portrays the bodily structure and movement of each figure. His intricate detail on each face elevates the physical and mental credibility of every individual (Culture and Values). Furthermore, Masaccio is able to distinguish each figure from one another, making them more believable. For example, the tax collector is wearing a short robe, unlike the others who are fully clothed. In addition, Jesus and his disciples have halos, indicating they are at a higher level of importance (Nelson). Masaccio gives the painting a profound sense of depth through various techniques which heightens the realism illustrated in the

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