Tribute Money

Masaccio, Tribute Money, Fresco, 8' 4 1/8" x 19'  7 1/8",ca. 1424-1427

Tommaso di ser Giovanni di Mone Cassai ( Masaccio) died at the young age of 27. (1401-1428).
It is beleived that no artist contributed as much to a new art style in such a short period time as did Masaccio. He did not follow in the footsteps of his teacher yet explored the artistic world in search of his own style.


"Masaccio’s figures recall Giotto’s in their simple grandeur, but they convey a greater psychological and physical credibility. He modeled his figures with light coming from a source outside the picture." Fred S. Kleiner

This painting was made in the Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, in Florence, Italy. It is a  depiction of one of Christ's many miracles. When confronted about taxes, Christ instructs his apostle Peter to search the mouth of a fish, where he finds a coin and is able to pay the taxes required.

This painting is one of many that represents the miracles that were performed by Christ. I chose  a painting that showed a miracle of Christ to represent his earthly ministry.