Masaccio was an early Renaissance painter born in San Giovanni Valdarno, Florence in 1401. His father was a notary and his grandfather an innkeeper. Masaccio began working as a painter in Florence when he was just 17 years old.
He’s widely regarded as one of the most significant painters of the early 15th century and the most important painter in the Quattrocentro era of the Renaissance. Masaccio’s paintings marked a turning point in Western art; he was the first authentic Renaissance artist to incorporate linear perspective into his work, creating realistic portrayals of space that emphasized depth and distance.
Masaccio’s frescoes at Brancacci Chapel located in Santa Maria del Carmine are considered to be his masterpiece wherein he broke new ground for depicting religious themes with naturalism. The ‘Expulsion from Eden’ included elaborate landscaping and facial expressions making it much more relatable for common people rather than being unrealistic like many religious paintings commissioned by wealthy patrons during that time.
Sadly, Masaccio passed away at a young age due to unknown reasons while still residing in Rome. Nonetheless, throughout his relatively short life, Masaccio left behind an incredible legacy through innovative painting techniques that would continue to influence artists throughout history up till today.
