Cappella Rinuccini 1370

Giovanni da Milano painted this fresco, Cappella Rinuccini, using tempera on plaster. The fresco’s symmetrical composition gives it a sense of balance, yet there are disruptions to the overall harmony of the piece, creating tension. The architecture divides the pictorial space, framing a scene of divine order below, and demonic chaos above. The soft, muted colors in the lower register evoke a sense of tranquility, while the stark reds and blacks above create a sense of foreboding. Note how the table intersects the space, seemingly extending out towards us. Giovanni challenges our conventional understanding of space and perspective. The placement of the figures, some with halos and some without, highlights a struggle between the earthly and the divine. The use of contrasting colors and spatial ambiguity serves not just an aesthetic purpose, but invites a deeper reflection on the complexities of morality and perception. As you continue to explore, consider how the interplay between form and content invites ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.