Pacino's Room

Florentine Gothic painting

The last section of the Ground Floor in the Gallery is devoted to Florentine Gothic painting and is divided into three rooms: one presents works of the 13th and early 14th centuries, another of Giottesque artists, and the third of Orcagna with his brothers. Room upon room of these utterly spectacular gold-backed altarpieces come from great Florentine churches and convents long closed. The brilliant colors of recent restorations greet one from across the room to some of the most popular themes in the 14th century as they welcomed pilgrims, or merchants turned patrons.

The core of the oldest works exhibited within the Galleria dell'Accademia is found in this first hall. Gothic paintings abound here, all on wood: a painted crucifix (typical main altar adornment) from churches, with the usual polyptychs and Majesties in the same style found on almost every side altar, along with saintly martyrs fashioned for educational and devotional purposes— to help tell their stories of faith.

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!