Detail of Raising of the Son of Theophilus and Saint Peter on His Throne by Masaccio (1401-1428)
Masaccio's great fresco cycle of the Life of St Peter was commissioned for the Brancacci family chapel in the Carmelite church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The scene known as St Peter Enthroned recalls the legend of how the saint miraculously raised from the dead the son of Theophilus, ruler of Antioch. Theophilus promptly converted and expressed his gratitude by building a magnificent church for the Christian community of Antioch. According to tradition, St Peter occupied the "throne" as bishop in the city for seven years. Masaccio sets the story in his own world of fifteenth-century Florence. The apostle sits elevated, supposedly so that all the people could see their leader clearly. Amongst the men below him, we can identify Carmelite friars and even the artist himself, for the figure at the right of the saint who looks out to the viewer has been identified as Masaccio. Through gestures and expression the group gathered below the enthroned bishop express a mood of thoughtful reverence. Masaccio's direct gaze intercepts the viewer's. In this moment of imaginary encounter our different world's temporarily meet. Our prayers unite with those of all who have gone before us.
Art Guide Resource
The 2014 Art Guide has been compiled by Claire Renkin, well-known art historian and lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and has been recorded by Dr. Rachael Kohn, author and public speaker, most well known for her ABC Radio National program, 'The Spirit of Things'. Music by Chris Zabriskie (chriszabriskie.com). Artworks © Bridgeman Images.
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