Masolino was an Italian painter of the Proto-Renaissance and a representative of the Florentine school. His real name was Tommaso di Cristoforo Fini. Celebrated as a master of fresco painting, he long remained in the shadow of Masaccio, yet today scholars acknowledge Masolino’s significant role in the development of Florentine art.
Masolino emerged as a distinctive figure of the transitional period between the Gothic style and the innovations of the Renaissance. His oeuvre centers on biblical narratives and the lives of saints, characterized by a refined treatment of volume and proportion. Among his greatest achievements was the unique ability to unite medieval tradition with the progressive ideals of humanism. In his frescoes, Masolino drew upon contemporary scientific advances, investing his figures with persuasive vitality.
Masolino is best known for his cycle of frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence (including the celebrated The Healing of the Cripple and the Raising of Tabitha), where he employed elements of linear perspective and an accurate anatomical rendering of the human figure. Other notable works include the fresco cycles of the Life of Saint John the Baptist and The Banquet of Herod. Discover Masolino’s masterpieces through our collection of high-quality digital reproductions, available for purchase on our website. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Renaissance and uncover anew the artistry of this brilliant Italian master.