Sala do Pacino

Pintura gótica florentina

A última seção do andar térreo da Galeria é dedicada à pintura gótica florentina e é dividida em três salas: uma apresenta obras do século XIII e início do século XIV, outra de artistas giottescos e a terceira de Orcagna e seus irmãos. Salas e mais salas com esses retábulos espetaculares com fundo dourado vêm de grandes igrejas e conventos florentinos há muito tempo fechados. As cores brilhantes de restaurações recentes nos cumprimentam do outro lado da sala com alguns dos temas mais populares do século XIV, quando recebiam peregrinos ou comerciantes que se tornavam patronos.

O núcleo das obras mais antigas exibidas na Galleria dell'Accademia encontra-se nesse primeiro salão. Há muitas pinturas góticas aqui, todas em madeira: um crucifixo pintado (adorno típico do altar principal) de igrejas, com os polípticos e majestades usuais no mesmo estilo encontrados em quase todos os altares laterais, juntamente com mártires santos criados para fins educacionais e devocionais - para ajudar a contar suas histórias de fé.

The biggest panel in the room is an elaborate and enchanting Tree of Life cross painted by Pacino di Bonaguida. It represents the Tree Of Life. The painting was initially in a convent of Clarissan nuns at Florence. According to the Apocalypse, this Tree denotes Salvation and gives gift to mankind which is denoted by its fruits along with its twelve branches.

The tondos suspended from these branches tell the events of the life of Christ, or rather his Passion and Glory. At the very bottom, the tree is rooted in the Garden of Eden, where scenes from Genesis are seen, which tells about the Creation including lives of Adam and Eve. From left to right at the base's four corners kneeling/seated figures include Moses, St. Francis, St. Clare, and John Evangelist. Above is a cusp showing Heaven's celestial court; at its center are Enthroned Christ with Virgin Mary - both encircled by red angels plus saints and prophets - between cross and Heaven a pelican pierces its breast to give its young ones nourishment with its blood as it rings in humanity's salvation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross for mankind. All in all this is an example that reveals quite exquisite detail meant for showcasing not only Pacino di Buonaguida’s technical ability as painter but also illuminator who would have been sought after when this kind work needed doing!