active from 1334 -1366 · Florence and legacy of Giotto

Clear architecture, dramatic light and inventive storytelling make Taddeo Gaddi Giotto's main successor in 14th-century Florence.

Taddeo Gaddi was born into a family of Florentine painters and died in 1366. He was the son of Gaddo Gaddi and became the student and then collaborator of Giotto, with whom tradition made him work for many years. Documented as an autonomous master in 1334, he developed Giotto's legacy without simply repeating it. His great cycle of the life of the Virgin in the Baroncelli chapel in Santa Croce reveals an exceptional intelligence of architecture, light and story. His great cycle of the life of the Virgin in the Baroncelli chapel in Santa Croce reveals an exceptional intelligence of architecture, light and story. In the Announcement to the Shepherds, the nocturnal brilliance of the angel simultaneously transforms bodies, rocks and sky, one of the first coherent effects of light in Western painting. Taddeo organizes his scenes with vast constructed volumes, sharp diagonals and groups whose gestures make the action immediately readable. Its panels on a gold background retain a lyrical delicacy, like Saint Julian, while giving the figures a new physical presence. The Franciscan episodes, the Ascension of Saint John and the Crucifixions bear witness to an extremely active workshop, capable of responding to monumental commissions as well as private triptychs. The Franciscan episodes, the Ascension of Saint John and the Crucifixions bear witness to an extremely active workshop, capable of responding to monumental commissions as well as private triptychs. The Franciscan episodes, the Ascension of Saint John and the Crucifixions bear witness to an extremely active workshop, capable of responding to monumental commissions as well as private triptychs. The Franciscan episodes, the Ascension of Saint John and the Crucifixions bear witness to an extremely active workshop, capable of responding to monumental commissions as well as private triptychs. Architect and model supplier, Taddeo also contributed to the major projects of Florence. Architect and model supplier, Taddeo also contributed to the major construction sites of Florence. His sons Agnolo and Giovanni extended this dynasty, making his the Giottesque tradition. The "Taddeo Gaddi" selection notably compares The Adoration of the Shepherds and Saint Francis and the trial by fire in front of the sultan. Its reading favors figures.

Taddeo Gaddi inherits the solidity of the world from Giotto, then introduces his own discovery: a light capable of becoming the very engine of the story.