Brancacci Chapel

Brancacci Chapel is a chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. It is sometimes called the "Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance". The construction of the chapel was commissioned by Pietro Brancacci which began in 1386. To enter the chapel, you must go through the convent next door, designed by Brunelleschi. The church and the chapel are treated as separate places to visit. So they have different opening times as well. Be sure to check when the chapel is open. Felice Brancacci, a descendant of Pietro, was given the duty to finish the chapel in 1423. When he returned to Florence, he hired Masolino da Panicale to paint the chapel. Masolino's associate, 21-year-old Masaccio, 18 years younger than Masolino, assisted. When Masolino left, the commission was given to Masaccio. After Masaccio's death, portions of the chapel were completed later by Filippino Lippi. Unfortunately during the Baroque period some of the paintings were seen as unfashionable and a tomb was placed in front of them.